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Image Courtesy: People
Charlize Theron is pushed to her physical and emotional limits in 'Apex,' as seen in PEOPLE's exclusive first look at the Netflix thriller.
The film is a tense survival story set in the Australian wilderness, where Theron plays a woman in mourning who suddenly finds herself hunted by a dangerous predator. Taron Egerton stars as the relentless killer, turning the movie into a high-stakes game of pursuit through rugged terrain.
Charlize Theron's Preparation For 'Apex'
Although Theron is no stranger to action roles, 'Apex' demanded a different kind of preparation. Instead of focusing on fight scenes, she trained intensely in extreme outdoor activities. She spent nearly every day climbing, and later added kayaking once production moved to Australia. The goal was to build enough strength to handle the demanding environment, as she performed the mountain climbs herself, often barefoot, without stunt doubles.
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Image Courtesy: People
Surprisingly, this role marked Theron's first real experience with climbing. Aside from climbing trees as a child, she had never done anything like it before, but she quickly grew to love the challenge.
Charlize Theron's Dedication to 'Apex'
Theron and Egerton worked with Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, who directed the film. Kormákur has praised Theron's commitment, noting how she fully embraced the physical demands of the role, from climbing barefoot to navigating rough rivers and enduring the intense conditions of the shoot.
Egerton, who appears with a shaved head in the film, also enjoyed the simplicity of his look, saying it freed him from worrying about his appearance while playing such a dark character.
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Image Courtesy: People
Filming in remote parts of Australia added to the challenge, with the small cast and crew often hiking long distances to reach shooting locations. The project also gave Theron the chance to finally work with Eric Bana, who plays her on-screen partner. She had wanted to collaborate with him for more than two decades, and when the opportunity came, she immediately pushed for him to join the film. Bana ultimately signed on for several weeks, and Theron says he delivers a standout performance.
'Apex' premieres on Netflix on 24th April 2026.
