After a period of relative calm 2024Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron is set to return to the big screen with four upcoming film projects. Among them: Atomic Blonde 2the action-packed sequel to the hit 2017 spy thriller. atomic blond The film is currently being developed by Focus Features. In addition to reprising her role as cold-blooded MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, Theron will co-produce the film through her production company Denver and Delilah.
Despite atomic blond The film has been widely criticized for not adding much to the Cold War spy subgenre in terms of story, but fans and critics agree that the film’s fight scenes are among its strengths. Under former director David Leitch, Theron performed nearly 100 percent of her own stunts in the film, including a jaw-dropping staircase brawl that’s still being talked about seven years later. With Theron being touted as Hollywood’s most ferocious action star of modern times, it’s time to take a closer look at her death-defying stunts in atomic blond.
What is Atomic Blonde?
The film takes place in the final days of the Cold War in 1989, atomic blond It is a popular American action thriller film directed by David Leitch, Brad Pitt's longtime replacement. It is based on the 2012 graphic novel The coldest city By Anthony Johnson, The story revolves around a high-ranking MI6 spy, Lorraine Broughton, who is assigned to obtain the List, a document that reveals the identity of every active spy in Berlin, Germany.In Berlin, Lauren tries to hide her identity from the KGB as she infiltrates the agency and keeps a close eye on Satchel (James McAvoy), a dangerous double agent working for the powerful Soviets.
Before Satchel’s identity as a rogue spy is revealed, Lauren strikes up a romantic relationship with Delphine Lasalle (Sofia Boutella), a French undercover agent who works with her to find the list. Along the way, Lauren and Delphine encounter a number of violent Russian spies and smart agents with bad intentions, including Spyglass (Eddie Marsan), Yuri (Johannes Johansson), and their boss, Alexander Primovitch (Roland Müller). However, no matter how much firsthand experience or firepower they have at their disposal, Lauren makes quick work of her enemies at every turn. Thanks to Charlize Theron’s impressive work in this worthwhile Cold War thriller, Lauren’s hyper-violent brutality remains compelling even when the story strains credulity.
How Charlize Theron Prepared for Her Sexy Scenes in Atomic Blonde
Charlize Theron is no stranger to sacrificing her body to deliver a great performance on screen. In 2003, Theron played serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the film Monsteran Oscar-winning performance in which the actress completely transformed her body to reflect Wuornos' as authentically as possible. As a producer on monster, Theron exceeded all expectations in her ownership of her performance, putting her body under pressure for the sake of her art.
Theron also produced atomic blondonce again delving into the entire filmmaking process through Avoid using substitutes to give an authentic performance as much as possible.However, to fully appreciate the sacrifices Theron made in atomic blondDirector David Leitch knows what he's talking about when it comes to stunts in his career. While promoting The man responsible for this In 2024, Leach spoke with People and explained how Theron performed nearly 99% of her own stunts on set. atomic blondAt least in the famous Staircase Battle. According to Leach, “The Staircase Battle we created, it was 99 percent done, except for a few places where we threw [stunt coordinator] Monique Ganderton down the stairs.
For beginners, The stairwell fight scene is a breathless fistfight that, through skillful editing, comes across as a brutal 10-minute battle.The sequence consists of 40 unseen edits to keep the action going, with Theron performing each carefully choreographed move herself as Loren brutally attacks a group of Russian thugs. It would be impressive for any 25-year-old. That Theron can pull off this kind of stunt at 40 speaks volumes about her fitness and willingness to sacrifice her body for the sake of art. As Leitch notes of Theron’s expertise:
“She showed that she could do 10, 15, 20, 30 moves in a row without having to cut or reset… We were like, ‘Wow, this is special. This is unique. We need to take advantage of this.’”
It's really Charlize learning all these dances, and taking these hits.
“.”
According to Jezebel, Theron prepared for the role by getting in shape with eight personal trainers “who made her throw up every day.” During training, Theron suffered a bruised rib and fractured a tooth that required surgery after she clenched her jaw too hard. Fans can hear Theron talk about her injuries on set in the video below. Interestingly, Theron also trained with Keanu Reeves in preparation for her new film, The Last of Us. atomic blond, Who is the star? John Wick In the action film series produced by David Leitch. Theron and Reeves' relationship dates back to devil's advocate and Sweet November It can continue with the possibility of Atomic Blonde/John Wick Crossover.
Will there be a sequel to Atomic Blonde?
when atomic blond The film grossed $100 million in 2017 (via Box Office Mojo), and naturally there's interest in a sequel. In 2019, it was confirmed that Leitch was set to direct a sequel for Netflix, with Theron set to return as Lorraine Broughton.In 2020, it was confirmed that Theron would produce the film through her production company Denver and Delilah, with original screenwriter Sam Hart also returning. Although development has been quiet since 2020, a potential crossover with John Wick It may be in the cards.
In July 2017, fans pressed Leitch about the striking similarities between John Wick and atomic bombsuggesting a potential crossover film. According to Screen Rant, Leitch said the potential crossover “sounded like a great idea,” adding:
“That would be great! I get that question from time to time, and I think it’s more about the timelines. I would definitely do that. Maybe there comes a time when we see releases, or maybe there’s another real fantasy that maybe there’s a project that combines the two, or a new idea. You know, Charlize and Keanu could have… a story that we could have in the same space and we could see them collaborating or going head-to-head.”
Whether it was Atomic blonde If a sequel or crossover is made, it will be interesting to see if Theron will perform as many stunts as she did in the original film. Additionally, Atomic Blonde 2, Theron is ready to star in Old Guard 2, Two for the Money, and summitAll of them are described as action films that require great physical effort.With her past and future resume, it's safe to say that Charlize Theron is the most compelling and attractive action star in Hollywood today.
atomic blond Available to stream for free on Tubi.
