Charlize Theron is no stranger to taking on roles that demand intense physicality and mental strength, and her latest project, Apex, is no exception. The survivalist thriller, now streaming on Netflix, showcases Theron in a gripping role that finds her character, Sasha, a grieving woman who ventures into the Australian wilderness only to find herself pursued by a deranged killer played by Taron Egerton. The film is a testament to Theron’s dedication to her craft, with the actress performing many of her own stunts, including rock climbing, which she had never tried before.
Theron describes her character in Apex as “scrappy,” a term that could easily be applied to the actress herself. Whether it’s tackling physical challenges or calling out controversial remarks from fellow actors, Theron isn’t one to shy away from a fight. Her role in Apex required her to not only portray a complex emotional journey but also take on some physically demanding stunts, including rock climbing scenes shot high up in the air. In preparation for these scenes, Theron worked with American climber Beth Rodden for a month to master the skills required for the movie.
“I really didn’t know what to expect. I’d never climbed before and I just fell in love with it,” Theron shared in a recent interview. The actress, who has gained a reputation for performing her own stunts in action films, was surprised by how much she enjoyed the learning curve. Despite a fear of heights, Theron pushed herself to shoot many scenes from a height of 60 feet, saying, “That was pretty intense, but towards the end, it was like nothing.” Her ability to overcome this fear and perform her own stunts is a testament to her dedication and toughness.
The grueling Apex shoot took place in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, where Theron faced numerous physical challenges. She fractured a toe, tore several rib muscles, and sustained significant elbow damage, which ultimately required two surgeries. Yet, despite the injuries and the pain, Theron pushed through to finish the film. This determination is in part due to her upbringing on a remote farm near Johannesburg, South Africa, where she developed a love for nature. However, Theron admits that her adopted children, aged 11 and 14, are less enthusiastic about the outdoors. “I like nature. My girls are teenagers, so they like Sephora right now – it’s hard to get them out,” she jokes.
Theron’s ballet background also helped her in Apex. She began dancing at the age of four and earned a scholarship to a ballet school in New York. However, knee injuries ended her ballet career in her late teens. Despite this setback, Theron says the discipline and grit she learned from ballet have greatly benefited her in action films. “As a dancer, the discipline you have to have and the excruciating pain – it’s something that really benefited me in action films. I don’t tap out very easily,” she explained.
Theron’s ability to power through physical pain is evident not just in her stunts but also in her reaction to the comments made by Dune star Timothée Chalamet earlier this year. During a town hall discussion in March 2026, Chalamet reportedly stated that “no one cares” about art forms such as ballet and opera. This remark didn’t sit well with Theron, who has a deep connection to the world of dance. In an interview with the New York Times, Theron called dancers “superheroes” because of what they endure physically. She then took aim at Chalamet, saying, “Sorry, Timothée Chalamet. Oh, boy, I hope I run into him one day. That was a very reckless comment on two art forms that we need to lift up constantly because they do have a hard time.”
Theron further elaborated, “In 10 years, AI is going to be able to do Timothée’s job, but it will not be able to replace a person on a stage dancing live.” While she later walked back the comment about AI, admitting that she didn’t know what the future holds, Theron remained firm in her belief that the performing arts deserve more respect. “Honestly, I talked out of my a** – I don’t know what’s going to happen in 10 years. Nobody does. I think we’re all just taking it day by day,” she said. “And I got to make this movie and it’s not AI – it’s me. So, things are good.”
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Theron’s outspoken nature extends beyond the world of acting and into her advocacy for the arts. Her remarks about Chalamet reflect her deep respect for ballet and the dedication required to excel in such a demanding art form. For Theron, ballet is not just a form of dance; it is a discipline that shaped her understanding of perseverance and strength, qualities that have carried over into her acting career. The ability to endure pain, both physically and emotionally, is something she has carried with her throughout her life and into her roles, including Apex.
Despite the challenges of filming Apex, Theron has continued to shine in the role of Sasha, a woman who must fight not only for survival but also for emotional closure after the loss of a loved one. Her performance in the film has garnered praise for its raw intensity and vulnerability, with Theron expertly portraying the complex emotions of a woman trapped in a deadly game. The film’s breathtaking cinematography, shot in the Australian wilderness, enhances the story’s themes of isolation and survival, and Theron’s ability to convey these themes through her performance makes Apex a standout thriller.
As for what’s next for Theron, she has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and durable actresses, capable of handling everything from intense action roles to emotionally complex dramas. Her fearlessness on set, both physically and emotionally, has made her a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Whether she’s climbing mountains in Apex or delivering an Oscar-winning performance in Monster, Theron continues to push the boundaries of what she can do as an actress.
For now, fans can enjoy Apex on Netflix, where it has become one of the most-watched films of the year. With its thrilling story, stunning visuals, and Theron’s powerhouse performance, the film has earned its place as one of the must-watch thrillers of 2026. As for Theron, there’s no doubt that her career will continue to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities awaiting her in the years to come.
