Key Takeaways:
– Charlize Theron sustained permanent physical injuries while filming for David Leitch, the director of John Wick and Atomic Blonde.
– The actor underwent intense training sessions, including stunt practices which left her needing dental surgery.
– Charlize Theron is set to appear in Netflix's The Old Guard 2, undeterred by her past injuries.
Charlize Theron's Ongoing Journey in Action Films
Charlize Theron, internationally renowned for her outstanding performances in several action-packed films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde, has made her mark as an accomplished action star. She embraces the demanding challenges, even though they sometimes take a heavy toll on her mind and body.
Despite suffering from on-set injuries, such as a threatening neck injury during the shoot of the 2005 action film, Æon Flux, Theron continues to push her limits. Her passion for cinema even led to sustained permanent damage to her body while working on a film helmed by John Wick's director.
Handling Injuries with Perseverance
Taking up physically strenuous roles often involves rigorous training and hard work. Theron experienced firsthand the severe side effects of this process in more than one instances. She sustained a shoulder injury during the production of Netflix's action fantasy The Old Guard and suffered a torn stomach muscle on the set of Snow White and The Huntsman.
Working with David Leitch, who famously directed the first installment of the John Wick franchise proved to be both a milestone and a hurdle for Theron. During the filming of his action thriller Atomic Blonde, Theron faced intense physical injuries. A twisted knee and bruised ribs were just the tip of the iceberg. The actor had to undergo dental surgery following her stunt training. According to Theron, she had “severe tooth pain, which [she] never had in [her] entire life”, leading to root canals and the removal of a tooth.
Appreciation for Commitment in demanding roles
Theron's commitment towards such challenging roles is commendable, and audiences can likely expect to see her in more action films like The Old Guard 2 from Netflix. Atomic Blonde was a highly acclaimed action thriller and was particularly taxing on Theron physically. David Leitch, in a conversation with Yahoo Entertainment, lauded Theron's dedication towards her work.
“It was a lot of training – 3-4 months probably, four days a week, 3-4 hours a day. Very consistent training, coming into our workshop 87Eleven and getting in front of the stunt team…,” Leitch shared. He further credited Theron's will and determination for her triumphant performance.
Resounding Success Despite Physical Challenges
Regardless of the strenuous physical conditions, the collaboration between Theron and Leitch resulted in a critically acclaimed film. Atomic Blonde obtained a 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed close to $100 million worldwide against a $30 million production budget. Despite the lasting physical damage Theron faced due to her demanding role, her performance received widespread recognition.
Given her notable history of enduring tough physical conditions for her roles and her ongoing passion for cinema, there's no doubt that the actress will continue to impress audiences with her performances in future action films.
Atomic Blonde is currently available for rent on video-on-demand platforms, including Apple TV, YouTube, and Vudu.
