Charlize Theron’s ‘APEX’ Stunts Were So Intense They Scared The Director

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentCharlize Theron’s ‘APEX’ Stunts Were So Intense They Scared The DirectorByDana Feldman,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dana Feldman is a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers entertainment.Follow AuthorApr 25, 2026, 04:42pm EDTApr 25, 2026, 05:10pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Taron Egerton and Charlize Theron did most of their own stunts in Netflix's 'APEX.' Photo by Kane Skennar/NetflixIn Netflix’s APEX, Charlize Theron plays Sasha, an adventurer who comes face-to-face with psychopathic serial killer Ben (Taron Egerton) deep in the unforgiving Australian wilderness. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and written by Jeremy Robbins, the 95-minute psychological thriller delivers an intense, unrelenting ride as Sasha fights to survive both the brutal terrain and a relentless killer in the middle of nowhere. Ahead of the film’s April 24 premiere, Kormákur confirmed in an interview that both Theron and Egerton were determined to perform many of their own stunts despite the risks, something he admitted made him uneasy at times. “There's so much that they did themselves, all the way to where I almost pulled back because I didn’t want to put them in any physical danger,” said Kormákur. That concern isn’t unfounded. In press interviews, Theron revealed she has undergone surgery after nearly every film. One injury in particular stands out: while filming Æon Flux, she herniated a disc in her neck after landing on concrete. This accident nearly paralyzed her and forced a production shutdown.After APEX wrapped, Theron underwent elbow surgery, followed by a revision procedure, and also dealt with a fractured toe. Eric Bana in 'APEX' on Netflix.Photo by Kane Skennar/NetflixAPEX opens with Sasha and her boyfriend Tommy (Eric Bana) scaling Norway’s Troll Wall, setting the t...