Lana Condor opened up about the rigorous physical preparation she underwent for her role in the new action thriller Pretty Lethal while speaking at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. She described her transformation as “pretty crazy,” saying that just months before filming she was not in the shape she needed to be for the demanding part.
The 28‑year‑old actress explained that she committed to a strict routine to get her body ready. This included ballet classes five days a week, focused weight training, and closely monitoring her nutrition to build strength and endurance. Condor said she worked hard because the movie was physically challenging and she wanted to feel confident and prepared for every scene.
Directed by Vicky Jewson, Pretty Lethal follows a group of ballerinas whose journey to a competition goes awry when their bus breaks down, forcing them to confront unexpected danger and rely on their skills to survive. The cast includes Condor alongside actors such as Maddie Ziegler, Uma Thurman, Avantika, Millicent Simmonds, and Iris Apatow.
Condor, who first gained widespread fame in Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before films, has taken on a variety of roles since, but she said that Pretty Lethal stood out for the physical commitment it required and the sense of camaraderie among the cast members.
Co‑star Maddie Ziegler also revealed that the ensemble spent three weeks in an intensive “ballet boot camp” before filming to sharpen their dance technique and stunt work, highlighting just how much preparation went into the project.
Pretty Lethal premiered at SXSW and is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, showcasing a blend of dance, action, and suspense.
