Charlize Theronhas once again expressed her disappointment at being recast in theMad MaxprequelFuriosa,but still spoke positively about the George Miller film. As Imperator Furiosa inMad Max: Fury Roadfrom 2015, Theron gave an outstanding performance, but when the planned prequel finally got into production, too much time had passed for her to return.
In a newinterview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Theron reflected on how challenging it was to acceptAnya Taylor-Joy taking over the role that she originated, but stressed she thoughtFuriosawas a beautiful movie. These comments echo a2020 interview Theron gave toTHR, where she said she was “heartbroken” to be recast. Read Theron’s full comments below:
“There’s nothing around [the recasting] that, to me, felt malicious. It was something that just dragged out for too long, and I totally understand it. It still doesn’t make it feel any better… I probably lived in [Furiosa’s] body the longest out of any of my characters, and it was challenging. It was really challenging. But I think [Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga] is absolutely beautiful.”
What Charlize Theron’s Furiosa Comments Mean
Charlize Theron Was Recast With Anya Taylor-Joy In Furiosa
After languishing for decades in development hell, the return of theMad Maxfranchise withFury Roadin 2015 felt like an extraordinary cinematic event. While Miller was on top form and delivering some of his best work, the biggest surprise was Theron’s incredible characterization of Imperator Furiosa, a new original character who added feminist underpinnings to this action franchise.
Theron clearly put her all into playing Furiosa, and having come out of this troubled production with such an outstanding performance was an incredible feat. From Theron’s comments, it’s clear she would have been interested in reprising her role in a sequel, buttheFuriosaprequel unfortunately ended up requiring a younger actress.
While Miller had considered using de-aging technology to allow Theron to return (viaPeople), he ultimately went a different route and recast her. This was quite a blow to Theron, but she’s taken it with grace as she understands it wasn’t “malicious” and even had kind words to say about the prequel.
Our Take On Charlize Theron Being Recast In Furiosa
Recasting Theron Was A Difficult Choice
When it was first announced thatAnya Taylor-Joy would be taking over this iconic role in Furiosa, it felt like a strange route for Miller to go. Theron’s performance was so compelling that it was difficult to imagine any other actress managing to recapture the power and gravitas of her emotionally charged performance.
It’s impossible not to wonder how a Theron-ledFuriosawould have turned out and if this would have helped the film’s chances at the box office and avoided it bombing. However,Furiosais also a movie of incredible artistic integrity, and a large part of its appeal was down to Taylor-Joy’s impressive performance.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Sagaunderperformed at the box office and grossed just $174 million against its $168 million budget (viaBox Office Mojo.)
While Theron has had plenty of great roles sinceFury Road, such as her Oscar-nominated performance inBombshell, joining theFast & Furiousfranchise, or her upcoming role in Christopher Nolan’sThe Odyssey, it would have been exciting to see her return as Furiosa. While this will remain one of Hollywood’s great what-ifs, it’s clearTheronholds no ill will.
