“I would love to see that story continue”: Charlize Theron Was Heartbroken After Anya Taylor-Joy Replaced Her Most Important Role Furiosa

Director George Miller confirmed in 2020 that he will be going ahead with a Mad Max: Fury Road spin-off — centered around Imperator Furiosa.

But this time, the actress who made the character shine won’t be starring in the upcoming 2024 prequel film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

The film has an obvious reason for the recasting. Since Furiosa needs to be younger, the filmmakers chose to cast Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy as the character. That means that Charlize Theron is out of her iconic role.

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Anya Taylor-Joy’s Furiosa Casting Leaves Charlize Theron Disheartened

How does Charlize Theron feel about the recast? She told The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s a tough one to swallow.” Looks like Theron was down in the dumps after knowing that she would not be replaying her iconic role. But she wishes the director the best:

“Listen, I fully respect George, if not more so in the aftermath of making that film with him. He’s a master, and I wish him nothing but the best.”

The Hollywood actress added:

“Yeah, it’s a little heartbreaking, for sure. I really love that character, and I’m so grateful that I had a small part in creating her. She will forever be someone I think of and reflect on fondly. Obviously, I would love to see that story continue, and if he feels like he has to go about it this way, then I trust him in that manner. We get so hung up on the smaller details that we forget the thing that we emotionally tap into has nothing to do with that minute thing that we’re focusing on.”

The news about talks between Miller and The Menu actress for the Furiosa prequel was revealed in March 2020. And it’s now confirmed, too. Today, Warner Bros. dropped the much-awaited trailer for the film and revealed the first look of its star, Anya Taylor-Joy, as Furiosa.

Also read: “I would do it in a heartbeat”: Charlize Theron is Desperate to Return as a Superhero With Will Smith for ‘Hancock 2’ as Marvel Leaves Her in the Dark After Epic Cameo

George Miller Explains Decision Against CG De-Aging Charlize Theron

Earlier, the director planned a Furiosa prequel with de-aging VFX like Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman for Theron’s return as a younger Furiosa. Later, Miller scrapped the idea because he was not sold on the technology.

George Miller could have de-aged Theron with VFX, but he told The New York Times, “For the longest time, I thought we could just use CG de-aging on Charlize, but I don’t think we’re nearly there yet.”

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will hit theaters on May 22, 2024.

Also read: “It was the first time I got to roll up my sleeves”: Keanu Reeves Was Extremely Nervous While Working With One Actor in Charlize Theron Starrer That Made Him Take a Pay Cut