Uma Thurman, known for her unforgettable performances in cult classics like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, has long been regarded as an icon of cool, fierce femininity. Whether she was gliding through 90s pop culture as the mysterious Mia Wallace or dominating enemies with steely calm as The Bride, Thurman defined an era of stylish, emotionally complex female leads.
But time, as it does with all things, moves forward. And even someone with such a commanding screen presence eventually finds herself connecting with newer trends — sometimes in surprising ways. In a recent candid conversation, Thurman shared a side of herself that fans may not expect: a newfound love for the increasingly popular genre of romantasy.
The Romantasy Trend: A Global Obsession
If you haven’t heard of romantasy yet, you’re likely about to. The genre, a blend of romance and fantasy, has exploded in popularity over the past few years, fueled by BookTok (TikTok’s reading community), enthusiastic fandoms, and an ever-growing list of bestselling series.
In 2024 alone, romantasy titles were largely responsible for the first rise in print book sales in years. Sales in the category soared over 35%, with multiple titles dominating bestseller lists. Major names like Sarah J. Maas (author of A Court of Thorns and Roses) and Rebecca Yarros (creator of the Empyrean series) now lead the charge in this genre, offering readers a mix of mythical creatures, epic battles, and swoon-worthy love stories.
Uma Thurman Joins the Romantasy Readership
During her interview, Thurman spoke about her current reading preferences. Once a fan of biographies and current affairs, she now finds those topics too heavy for today’s world.
“Now non-fiction is just too brutal,” she admitted. “The world has driven me to romantasy. Really, really teenage stuff. It’s a great alternative to the newspapers right now.”
Though she was hesitant to name the exact titles she’s currently enjoying — “It will make me blush,” she said — the genre’s popularity speaks for itself. With orcs and elves falling in love in far-off kingdoms, romantasy offers a whimsical escape from daily stress. It’s not just for teens anymore; it has evolved into a cross-generational experience, now embraced by readers of all ages — including Hollywood royalty like Thurman.
From Swords to Storybooks: Thurman’s Connection to Fantasy
Interestingly, Uma Thurman’s on-screen journey mirrors many of the characters found in romantasy novels. In Kill Bill, she trained extensively in martial arts and sword-fighting to bring her vengeful heroine to life. That dedication has served her well, especially with her recent return to action roles.
She’s currently reprising a physically demanding role in the upcoming sequel The Old Guard 2, a film known for its high-octane stunts and intense swordplay. Despite joining the project late, Thurman didn’t let that slow her down.
“Thank God for that,” she said about her past training. “I signed on quite late for this project so I didn’t have time to do proper training. Fortunately I had put in hundreds of hours learning how to hold a sword… If your brain has learnt how to memorize sequences of movements, you can get back in that zone.”
That “zone” — the blend of choreography, focus, and fantasy — is something romantasy books tap into perfectly. It’s not hard to see why the genre appeals to someone like Thurman, who’s spent a career balancing strength and elegance, violence and vulnerability.
The Rise of Romantasy: Why Now?
There’s something comforting about fantasy during uncertain times. As global headlines grow heavier, many readers — Thurman included — are turning to books that offer a mixture of romance, danger, and magic. Unlike traditional fantasy, which often leans heavily on world-building and plot mechanics, romantasy provides emotional stakes and personal connections, making the fantastical feel deeply human.
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have accelerated the romantasy boom by creating viral trends around book recommendations. A single clip showing a reader’s emotional reaction to a story can push a previously unknown title into Amazon’s Top 10 overnight. Fans create artwork, fanfiction, and aesthetic edits, further immersing themselves in these fictional universes.
What Thurman’s Reading Habits Say About the Culture Shift
Thurman’s openness about her reading tastes reflects a larger cultural shift. Once dismissed as “guilty pleasures,” genres like romance and fantasy are now celebrated for their creativity, inclusivity, and emotional impact. More importantly, public figures embracing these genres help to normalize them, opening the door for more people to explore what they love without judgment.
Her confession — even if tinged with embarrassment — that she finds joy in romantasy highlights how important escapism has become in today’s world. After all, who hasn’t needed a little magic and love lately?
The Final Word: Embracing the Fantastical
Whether you’re a seasoned romantasy reader or just discovering the genre through celebrities like Uma Thurman, one thing is clear: stories about love, magic, and mythical creatures are more than just trend pieces — they are lifelines. They offer adventure, hope, and the timeless thrill of imagining worlds beyond our own.
So next time you pick up a romantasy novel, know that you’re in good company — maybe even on the same page as Uma herself.