Charlize Theron Isn’t Mad About Furiosa, Would Return for a Sequel

When George Miller returns to the world of Mad Max with his prequel film Furiosa, it’ll be without Charlie Theron, who starred in the role in the critically acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road. According to Theron, however, that doesn’t anger her and wouldn’t stop her from working with the legendary director again.

In a recent profile in The Hollywood Reporter, Theron briefly touches upon working with Miller and the infamously grueling shoot that took place during the production of Fury Road. Theron once again confirmed how brutal the conditions were while they were making the film, but said she still wanted to make more films with the character after having seen the completed project and Miller’s vision.

“You know why? Because I never really truly appreciated or respected George Miller’s vision until I saw [the completed film and] went, ‘Oh my God, this is what was in his head the whole time and I couldn’t hear it,’” said Theron. “And so it’s the one movie where I go, ‘If I had another opportunity, I’d get a little bit more of what he tried to do in the first one.’”

Theron was then told that, since she has a three-picture deal, she could theoretically make another film as Furiosa if the opportunity arises, to which Theron joked that she wasn’t mad Miller decided to do a prequel next, calling Anya Taylor-Joy — who will star as a younger Furiosa in the film — one of the best actresses in the world.

“Maybe,” Theron said. “Listen, I’m not mad about [Miller doing a prequel instead of a sequel]. One of the greatest f—— actresses [Anya Taylor-Joy] is picking up something that I only imagined.”

While not too much is known about the film that recently wrapped, Furiosa is being described as a standalone story that will dive into the origins of the character previously portrayed by Charlize Theron (The Old Guard) before crossing paths with the eponymous antihero of the mothership franchise. The film will be led by Golden Globe winner Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit), Chris Hemsworth (Avengers: Endgame), and Tom Burke (Mank). The latter replaced Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who exited the project due to scheduling conflicts.

The Mad Max prequel is written and directed by George Miller, who is co-producing the film along with Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell. Miller’s Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner is also attached to produce.