Maddie Ziegler endured ballet boot camp for ‘Pretty Lethal’ role with stunt and dance training

Maddie Ziegler trained for ‘Pretty Lethal’ with three weeks of ballet and stunt rehearsals in Budapest

Maddie Ziegler returned to her ballet roots to prepare for her role in the upcoming action thriller Pretty Lethal, revealing that she participated in an intensive three-week boot camp in Budapest. The film, directed by Vicky Jewson and written by Kate Freund, follows a ballet troupe whose bus breaks down en route to a competition, forcing them to seek refuge in a mysterious roadside inn run by a former ballet star played by Uma Thurman.

Ziegler, 23, joined Lana Condor, Avantika, Millicent Simmonds, and Iris Apatow in portraying the troupe of ballerinas, forming an immediate bond while living in the same hotel and participating in daily ballet and stunt rehearsals. “We instantly clicked and we were like, ‘Oh, we’re family.’ It was just really special and cool, and we still keep in touch every day,” Ziegler said. The actress credited the immersive experience for helping her adapt to her role’s physical demands while reconnecting with her love for dance.

Avantika, 21, also reflected on the boot camp, saying it rekindled her own passion for ballet. “I like to joke that I got back into ballet with Maddie,” she said, describing the initial challenge of regaining her technique alongside Ziegler. The camaraderie fostered a supportive environment that both actors credited for enhancing their performances.

Ziegler’s journey from reality TV stardom on Dance Moms to acclaimed music videos and acting roles, including 2021’s West Side Story and 2024’s My Old Ass, allowed her to bring a raw, authentic energy to her character, according to Jewson. “To have someone of her talent and with that incredible dance background was a gift to the movie,” the director said, adding that Ziegler’s “raw, natural style” enriched the ensemble’s dynamic.

Pretty Lethal is set to premiere on March 25, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video, offering viewers a blend of dance, suspense, and action that highlights the actresses’ athleticism and chemistry.