Charlize Theron calls Furiosa “absolutely beautiful” despite heartbreak over losing the role

Charlize Theron has finally opened up about watching Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga — the prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road in which her iconic role was recast.

Despite the heartbreak, Theron says the film is “absolutely beautiful” and praised Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in the title role.

“There’s nothing around [the recasting] that felt malicious,” Theron told The Hollywood Reporter. “It was something that dragged out for too long, and I totally understand it. It still doesn’t make it feel any better.” She added that she “probably lived in [Furiosa’s] body the longest out of any of my characters.”

Theron’s experience filming Fury Road was famously grueling, and her deep connection to the role made the recast particularly painful. Nevertheless, she supports the final product and remains a fan of director George Miller’s vision.

In a conversation about the trend of “making-of” films such as The Disaster Artist or Mank, Theron said she’s never considered a behind-the-scenes feature about Fury Road, but laughed at the idea of Tully co-star Mackenzie Davis portraying her: “She’s got the arms.”

Theron also confirmed her upcoming role as Circe in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, though she will only be on set for two weeks. “I feel like I’m going to be the new kid on the block,” she joked.

Despite past disappointments, Theron continues to take on demanding roles in action films, pushing physical limits and producing her own projects, including The Old Guard 2 and the recently wrapped survival-action film Apex.