Sofia Boutella is a multifaceted individual, born in the vibrant city of Algiers, Algeria, to a family of creative and artistic backgrounds. Her father, Safy Boutella, is a renowned composer and jazz musician, while her mother is an architect. From a tender age of five, Sofia began her classical dance education, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
As she grew older, Sofia's family relocated to France in 1992, when she was just ten years old. This move marked a significant turning point in her life, as she discovered her passion for rhythmic gymnastics and joined the French national team at the age of 18. Her dedication and talent in this field earned her a spot on the team, and she continued to hone her skills throughout her teenage years.
Sofia's journey as a dancer was not limited to competitive sports; she also explored her creative side through hip-hop and street dance. She was part of several groups, including the Vagabond Crew, Chienne de Vie, and Aphrodites. Her extensive training and experience allowed her to work with renowned choreographer Blanca Li, rehearsing since the age of 17 and appearing in various film and television productions, commercials, and concert tours.
In 2007, Sofia's career received a significant boost when she was chosen by Jamie King to represent femininity and hip-hop as a role model for Nike. This opportunity led to collaborations with international stars like Madonna and Rihanna, further solidifying her status as a talented and versatile performer.
Sofia's impressive resume continued to grow as she successfully auditioned for Michael Jackson's This Is It Tour, although she was unable to participate due to conflicting tour dates with Madonna. In 2011, she starred in Michael Jackson's music video, Michael Jackson: Hollywood Tonight, cementing her connection to the legendary artist.
Sofia's transition to the big screen was marked by her lead role in the drama film StreetDance 2 (2012),followed by her portrayal of the assassin Gazelle in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014). Her subsequent roles included the alien warrior Jaylah in Star Trek Beyond (2016),the main antagonist Princess Ahmanet in Universal's Dark Universe film The Mummy (2017),and an undercover French agent in Atomic Blonde (2017),alongside Charlize Theron.