Charlize Theron has become one of the go-to actresses when it comes to action films. She’s appeared in films such as “Fate of the Furious,” “Atomic Blonde,” and the upcoming “The Old Guard,” due to her ability to not only act but to actually pull off action scenes. This ability was perfectly showcased in George Miller’s Oscar-winning “Mad Max: Fury Road,” where Theron played Furiosa, the most badass of badasses. And even though she understands why Miller is moving forward with a new actress to carry the Furiosa mantle, Theron is a little heartbroken that she can’t continue in the post-apocalyptic world.
Speaking to THR, Theron opened up about why she’s was so happy to get offered “Mad Max: Fury Road” and why she wishes she could play Furiosa again in the future. Unfortunately, with news that Miller is moving ahead with a ‘Furiosa’ prequel, it appears the filmmaker is looking for a younger actress to take over.
READ MORE: ‘Furiosa’: Jodie Comer Reportedly In Contention To Star In ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Prequel
“A lot of women don’t get a second chance, but when men make these movies and fail miserably, they get chance after chance after chance to go and explore that again,” explained Theron. “That doesn’t necessarily happen for women.”
She added, “‘Fury Road’ came a good decade after ‘Æon Flux,’ and there’s always been that voice in the back of my head that still somewhat responds to that. I’m still influenced by that, and it’s one thing that drives me. It’s unfortunate that we feel like the opportunity will be taken away from us in a heartbeat if we don’t succeed, but that is the truth. It’s not a very forgiving genre when it comes to women.”
“It’s a tough one to swallow,” she admitted. “Listen, I fully respect George, if not more so in the aftermath of making that film with him. He’s a master, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
READ MORE: George Miller Confirms ‘Mad Max: Furiosa’ Prequel Is Next, But Charlize Theron Won’t Star
The actress continued, “Yeah, it’s a little heartbreaking, for sure. I really love that character, and I’m so grateful that I had a small part in creating her. She will forever be someone I think of and reflect on fondly. Obviously, I would love to see that story continue, and if he feels like he has to go about it this way, then I trust him in that manner. We get so hung up on the smaller details that we forget the thing that we emotionally tap into has nothing to do with that minute thing that we’re focusing on.”
While a new Furiosa has yet to be cast, names like Anya Taylor-Joy and Jodie Comer have been floated around as possible replacements. This casting clearly points to the fact that Miller is looking to tell a story about the character from pretty far back in her past. And as he’s already stated, Theron just isn’t able to physically pull it off. Unfortunately, not everyone is content with just using “The Irishman”-level CGI to de-age actors.
There’s no release date set for the new ‘Furiosa’ film, but you can see Theron kick ass in “The Old Guard” when it debuts on Netflix on July 10.
