Many fans were disheartened after finding out Charlize Theron won’t be returning as Furiosa in the upcoming George Miller prequel, but some were also excited to see Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as the character’s younger version.
The director opted not to use CGI and the art of de-aging for Furiosa after seeing the results of Martin Scorsese’s attempt at making Robert De Niro younger in the Netflix film The Irishman. Ultimately, Theron was replaced by Taylor-Joy.
Furiosa Director Explains Why He Won’t De-Age Charlize Theron
George Miller spoke with The New York Times and shared why he cast Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa and not Charlize Theron. He confirmed that the film would be a prequel, and for a time, he considered de-aging the South African actress. He resolved not to do it after Martin Scorsese’s failed de-aging technique in The Irishman. He stated:
“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. Despite the valiant attempts on ‘The Irishman,’ I think there’s still an uncanny valley. Everyone is on the verge of solving it, particularly Japanese video-game designers, but there’s still a pretty wide valley, I believe.”
Theron was heartbroken after finding out she would not return as Furiosa in the upcoming film. The prequel concept was created even before Mad Max: Fury Road was made, and Theron also studied this to get a feel of her character’s background. She told The Hollywood Reporter:
“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.”
The actress was praised for her spectacular performance as the one-armed warrior Furiosa, and the film was highly acclaimed for its visual power and gripping storyline.
Martin Scorsese Relied On Technology For Robert De Niro’s Transformation
Meanwhile, Martin Scorsese’s take on using a de-aging technique for The Irishman was brought by his belief that CGI is an “evolution of make-up.” He said at the BFI London Film Festival via Independent:
“If we made the film earlier they could have played younger, but at a certain point, we missed that, and then they said: ‘Use younger actors’ and I said: ‘What’s the point of that?’ CGI is really an evolution of make-up, you accept certain norms in make-up, you know he’s not that old, she’s not that young, you accept the illusion.”
Robert De Niro’s de-aged appearance in the movie was criticized by fans, calling it a waste of money due to its failed attempt at making him look exactly the age he was supposed to be. Scorsese, however, puts his trust in technology:
“The new technology is bringing things that are unimaginable, and not only is it something extraordinarily good for narrative films, but it opens up the original conception of what a film is and how it is to be seen has now changed so radically.”
Scorsese’s refusal to cast a younger actor in place of De Niro may have been a controversial topic, but Miller’s decision to skip the CGI for his prequel film is definitely a wise move.
