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Uma Thurman is looking back on the iconic impact of 'Pulp Fiction', three decades after the film helped define her career and reshape independent cinema. Though the 1994 release became a cultural juggernaut, it began as a modest, low-budget project that few anticipated would achieve global acclaim.
When Thurman signed on for the role of Mia Wallace — the enigmatic, sharp-tongued wife of gangster Marsellus Wallace — she recognised from the start that the film was something unique. The script stood out to her for its originality and bold tone, even though 'Pulp Fiction' was considered a small indie production at the time.
Premiering in 1994, the film went on to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, earned seven Academy Award nominations, and took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film famously reignited the careers of John Travolta and Bruce Willis, while launching Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson into the spotlight and turning them into household names.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Uma Thurman wasn't The First Pick
Surprisingly, Uma Thurman wasn’t Miramax’s first choice to play Mia Wallace. The studio initially had its eye on other stars, including Holly Hunter and Meg Ryan, for the iconic role. However, director Quentin Tarantino was immediately impressed by Uma Thurman during their first meeting and insisted on casting her. That decision turned out to be a career-defining moment for both of them.
Thurman received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1995 for her performance. The success launched her into major studio projects like 'Batman & Robin' (1997) and 'The Avengers' (1998), firmly establishing her as a Hollywood A-lister. Her collaboration with Tarantino continued as she starred in the 'Kill Bill' films, becoming a cinematic icon of action and revenge. She landed two Golden Globe nominations thanks to her standout performance in the series.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Today, Uma Thurman is returning to action in 'The Old Guard 2', where she takes on a villainous role opposite Charlize Theron’s lead character, Andy. She revealed that her training from 'Kill Bill' played a critical role in preparing for the physically demanding role — especially since she joined the sequel without time for proper preparation. The hundreds of hours she once spent mastering sword work created a kind of muscle memory, allowing her to jump back into high-intensity sequences with confidence, even if her physical strength had shifted over the years.
Thurman's reflections on 'Pulp Fiction' and her evolution in the action genre underscore a career built on bold choices, timeless roles, and an enduring creative partnership with one of Hollywood’s most daring directors.
