Charlize Theron Unveils Rock Climbing Training for Upcoming Netflix Thriller Apex
Charlize Theron, the acclaimed 50-year-old actress, displayed her remarkably fit physique in a sophisticated ensemble during a promotional appearance in New York City this Wednesday. The star visited the Today show to discuss her forthcoming action thriller, Apex, where she opened up about mastering the demanding sport of rock climbing for her role.
Mastering the Vertical Challenge
Theron explained that she underwent an intensive one-month training program to learn rock climbing, a skill entirely new to her before filming. "I have such an admiration and respect for climbers now," she expressed during the interview. "Because the dedication, the willpower, the brain power and the problem solving and the physical aspect of it. It's really, it's an incredible sport."
When the host remarked on the sport's minimal margin for error, Theron humorously added, "Especially without a rope, right?" before elaborating on the rigorous preparation involved.
Stunt Work and Safety Protocols
The Oscar-winning actress also reflected on performing her own stunts in previous projects like The Old Guard 2 and Atomic Blonde. "That's what is so wonderful about my business is you get to work with the best," Theron stated. "And I have to say in the stunt world, there are these incredible humans who work really hard. By the time I walk onto the set, everything's been tested and stress tested and full proof and the safety part of it is very important to me."
Filming for Apex, which co-stars Taron Egerton, took place primarily in Australia. Theron previously told People magazine about her daily regimen: "In this case, I was climbing a lot. I was climbing pretty much every day. And when I got to Australia I was kayaking a lot. That's a massive workout."
She emphasized the physical demands: "I was just getting as strong as I could because I climb all of the actual mountains in the movie. I'm climbing all of it - and I'm climbing it barefoot on my own raw feet." Despite never having climbed before, Theron described the experience as "so much fun."
Fitness Philosophy and Daily Routine
Beyond her film training, Theron has been vocal about her approach to maintaining fitness and mobility. During an interview with Elle UK last year, she revealed, "I love Pilates and I love yoga." She stressed the importance of daily movement: "More than fitness, I think one of the most incredible things to keep up as you get older is your mobility."
Theron added, "Diet, of course, is very important, but I think being able to move and using your core is crucial. As I've gotten older, I pay so much more attention to the way I move." Her nutritional habits include daily green juices, kale, and salads. "When I'm eating healthily, getting enough sleep and not drinking alcohol, that's when I look my best. That's when I'm happiest and I think it shows," she told Red Magazine.
New York Style and Future Projects
Before her Today show appearance, Theron was spotted in New York wearing a form-fitting navy halter dress with ruffled details, gray pumps, and silver earrings. Later, she changed into a white skirt with a semi-sheer top and sneakers, braving rainy weather as she departed.
The actress is also preparing for another major release this year: Christopher Nolan's epic The Odyssey, scheduled for July 17. The film features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong'o.
"Actually, it is no pressure for me because I am in it for a very small part. It's an incredible ensemble cast," Theron commented on Today. She recalled hearing about tickets selling out before filming concluded: "And not that any of this pressure is on my shoulders, but I just went like, 'Oh! Oh okay, I better not f[***] it up for the next three days.'"
Apex, described as a survival action thriller where "an adrenaline junkie sets out to conquer a menacing river, she discovers that nature isn't the only thing out for blood," will premiere on Netflix on April 24.
