Charlize Theron Has Suffered ‘A Lot’ Of Injuries While Making Movies, But She Has A Good Take On Why It’s Important For A Film
Charlize Theron has been a prominent action star for many years, from her roles in “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Atomic Blonde,” and now “The Old Guard 2.” Over time, fans have enjoyed watching Theron display her fighting skills on the big screen, and it remains exciting. She possesses an impressive screen presence and executes stunt choreography exceptionally well, surpassing many other actors. However, being an action star isn’t without its drawbacks, as Theron has endured several injuries throughout her career. Recently, she shared her thoughts on why these challenges were worth it.
In a recent conversation with the New York Times, co-stars Uma Thurman and Charlize Theron discussed their intense action scenes for “The Old Guard 2,” as well as their long-standing careers in action films. Despite their seemingly superhuman abilities on screen, they have paid a price. Theron disclosed that she has experienced multiple severe injuries, some requiring surgery, due to her movies. She stated:
People often ask me about my arm and I respond that I’ve undergone surgery. They seem surprised because they recall a past encounter when I also had surgery. You see, I suffered an accident during a stunt for a film called ‘Aeon Flux.’ While attempting my first action move, I failed to get enough height and ended up landing on a concrete bridge with my neck. This incident happened 18 years ago, but since then, I’ve had multiple surgeries on my neck, both elbows, shoulder, thumb due to carpal tunnel syndrome, and several fractures.
As a passionate cinephile, I must admit that Theron’s action-packed roles often involve some pretty severe knocks, far from mere scrapes picked up during stunt rehearsals. Yet, these setbacks haven’t deterred her from continuing to deliver pulse-pounding performances. The recent release of The Old Guard 2, and her upcoming films Apex with Taron Egerton and Two for the Money alongside Daniel Craig, are testaments to her indomitable spirit. It’s clear that she derives a deep satisfaction from these roles, going so far as to admit that the injuries she’s sustained along the way have ultimately enriched her performances and characters. In her own words:
Translation: People often say, “It’s like watching a movie, what are you doing?” However, I want to reiterate my point about using body language to narrate a story and reveal the character to the audience. Since I’m rather clumsy myself, I wouldn’t attribute any blame to anyone else.
In a somewhat intense fashion, it appears that Theron isn’t alone in holding this viewpoint. Notably, Tom Cruise once fractured his ankle during the filming of Mission: Impossible – Fallout, yet he persisted until they finished the shot. Remarkably, the footage of his injury became the one used in the final movie. Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio sustained a hand injury while working on Django Unchained, which added an extra layer of tension to the scene as he delivered his speech despite his wound. Though it might be debated, such unforeseen occurrences can sometimes enrich the final product on screen.
Theron’s unwavering passion for acting, whether in front or behind the camera, is evident. Her focus on storytelling demonstrates her commitment and has allowed her to maintain a successful career as an action star. This intensity gives her a captivating screen presence, placing her among the top-tier actors. With another exciting role on the horizon, I eagerly anticipate seeing her continue to shine on screen.
In the present, you have the opportunity to watch Charlize Theron in “The Old Guard 2,” a film now available for streaming with a Netflix subscription. Additionally, fans will get another chance to see her in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” when it premieres in theaters on July 17th, 2026. Keep an eye on our 2025 movie release schedule for updates on other thrilling titles coming soon to both streaming platforms and cinemas.
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2025-07-09 02:07