The Mad Max films by George Miller created a new revolution in cinema and cemented the director’s place as one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers alongside the likes of George Lucas who also pioneered an iconic franchise with Star Wars. One celebrity who played a big part in Miller’s success was Charlize Theron who starred in the pivotal role of Furiosa in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road.
Theron who impressed audiences and critics with her edgy and action-packed performance in the film, was also instrumental in how her character was envisioned and developed from a physical standpoint. It was her inputs regarding the final look of Furiosa and her dismissal of the original ideas for the character that ultimately made the difference.
Charlize Theron’s Instincts Were Spot On About The Look Of Her Mad Max Character
in 2015, George Miller roped in two of Hollywood’s big draws, Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, to play the lead roles in the reboot of his famous Mad Max series. Mad Max: Fury Road was expectedly a huge hit that also benefited greatly from the performances of Theron and Hardy.
Theron in particular, who played Furiosa, stunned audiences not just through her acting ability, but also in the way she transformed herself physically. With a shaved head and an edgy, grungy appearance, the Oscar winner came out all guns blazing literally and metaphorically.
Interestingly, the original idea for Furiosa’s appearance was a far cry from what audiences saw in the final cut. According to Hollywood.com, the character was initially envisioned in an extremely feminine avatar which was allegedly similar to the sensuous-looking Barbarella played by Jane Fonda in the 1968 film.
But Theron was convinced that this was not the path to take. The Monster actor, along with costume designer Jenny Beavan, realized that a leotard and heels clad Furiosa with long blond hair would seem completely incongruous while working with big guns and other weapons. The celebrity also went the extra mile by shaving her head to give the character an even more radical persona.
This move by Theron ultimately proved to be a genius one for the film while also making Furiosa a cult figure among a strong Mad Max fan base. The Devil’s Advocate actor’s dedication to the film and her character was an important factor in making the film a huge blockbuster while also setting the foundation for Anya Taylor-Joy to take the legacy forward.
Charlize Theron Was Heartbroken To Not Be In The Mad Max Prequel
When one looks at the history of action film franchises, the male actors more often then not, have been the driving forces behind taking the narratives forward. Celebrities like Keanu Reeves who is synonymous with The Matrix and the John Wick films, and Tom Cruise who is the face of the Mission: Impossible series, are examples that come to mind.
Charlize Theron recognized this trend as well and admitted that she would have loved to change this statistic in favor of women. Speaking about the big gap that existed in this regard between male and female actors, she told The Hollywood Reporter,
A lot of women don’t get a second chance, but when men make these movies and fail miserably, they get chance after chance after chance to go and explore that again. That doesn’t necessarily happen for women.
Unfortunately for Theron, her chance to make this happen for herself with the Mad Max franchise did not materialize. When George Miller announced a prequel featuring Furiosa, he also confirmed that he would be recasting the role to a younger actor in her 20s to depict the role (via New York Times). This automatically meant that Theron was not in the running to play the role.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar-winning actor candidly admitted that she was extremely gutted to not have bagged the role, but understood where Miller was coming from regarding his decision for the film.
It’s a tough one to swallow. Listen, I fully respect George, if not more so in the aftermath of making Fury Road with him. He’s a master, and I wish him nothing but the best. 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.
Theron also graciously stated that she wished the best for the franchise and wanted the narratives to move forward through more films with Miller’s able hands guiding the stories all the way.
Mad Max: Fury Road is streaming on Max.
