Charlize Theron’s Career: From ‘2 Days in the Valley’ to ‘The Old Guard 2’

Charlize Theron began her career in the mid-1990s, quickly moving from small parts to more significant roles that caught the attention of audiences and critics. Her early work showcased her versatility, as she took on characters in crime thrillers, dramas, and comedies. These initial films established her as a compelling screen presence and hinted at the dramatic range she would later become famous for. She proved early on that she was more than just a leading lady, embracing complex and often challenging roles.

As her career progressed, Theron became known for her transformative performances, earning an Academy Award for her portrayal of a real-life serial killer. She has since balanced her filmography with critically acclaimed dramas and major action blockbusters, becoming both a respected actress and a global box office star. Theron also moved into producing, taking greater creative control over her projects and using her platform to tell a wide range of stories.

‘2 Days in the Valley’ (1996)

In this crime film with a large ensemble cast, Theron played Helga Svelgen in her first speaking role. Her character is a hitwoman’s girlfriend who becomes involved in a murder-for-hire plot in Los Angeles. The film’s story involves multiple intersecting plotlines featuring a cast of quirky and desperate characters in the San Fernando Valley.

Theron’s memorable appearance, particularly a fight scene with co-star Teri Hatcher, brought her significant attention. Although the film received mixed reviews, her performance was noted by critics and helped launch her career in Hollywood. The role showcased her ability to stand out in an ensemble and established her as a new talent to watch in the industry.

‘That Thing You Do!’ (1996)

Directed by Tom Hanks, this musical comedy-drama follows the rapid rise and fall of a fictional 1960s one-hit-wonder pop band. Theron played the small but significant role of Tina Powers, the girlfriend of the band’s lead singer. Her character eventually leaves the ambitious frontman for a dentist, symbolizing a desire for a more stable and normal life.

Theron’s role as Tina contributes to the film’s exploration of fame and its effects on personal relationships. As the band gets more successful, her character grows apart from the self-absorbed singer. Though not a large part, it placed her in a popular and well-regarded film early in her career, continuing her momentum in Hollywood.

‘Trial and Error’ (1997)

In this comedy, Theron plays a supporting role as Billie Tyler, a friendly waitress in a small Nevada town. The plot centers on an actor who impersonates his lawyer friend in court to defend a relative in a fraud case. Billie becomes a romantic interest for one of the main characters, getting caught up in the comical legal deceptions.

This role gave Theron an opportunity to work in a lighthearted, mainstream comedy alongside established actors. Her character is charming and down-to-earth, providing a sweet and funny element to the story. The film added another genre to her growing resume, demonstrating her adaptability as an actress.

‘The Devil’s Advocate’ (1997)

This supernatural horror film is often considered Theron’s breakout role. She played Mary Ann Lomax, the wife of a young, successful lawyer who is recruited by a powerful and mysterious New York law firm. As her husband becomes more consumed by his work, Mary Ann’s mental state deteriorates as she is tormented by demonic visions.

Theron’s portrayal of Mary Ann’s descent into madness was praised by critics and showcased her dramatic acting abilities. She convincingly depicted the character’s journey from a happy and supportive wife to a terrified and broken woman. The film was a commercial success and elevated her status in Hollywood, proving she could hold her own alongside veteran actors like Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves.

‘Mighty Joe Young’ (1998)

In this adventure film, a remake of a 1949 classic, Theron starred as Jill Young. Her character is the lifelong friend and protector of a giant mountain gorilla named Joe, whom she has cared for since they were both orphaned as children in Africa. When a zoologist convinces Jill to bring Joe to a California animal preserve for his safety, they find themselves in a new kind of danger.

Theron’s performance as the compassionate and determined Jill was central to the film’s heart. She portrayed a strong connection with the gorilla, making their bond believable and emotionally engaging for the audience. The role established her as a capable leading lady in a big-budget family film.

‘The Astronaut’s Wife’ (1999)

This science fiction thriller features Theron as Jillian Armacost, the wife of an astronaut who returns from a space mission mysteriously changed. After a brief loss of contact in space, her husband begins acting differently, and Jillian becomes pregnant with twins. She soon fears that something alien has taken control of her husband’s body.

Theron’s character drives the film’s suspense, as she is the one who slowly uncovers the terrifying truth. Her performance is a psychological journey from loving wife to a woman fighting for her life and the future of her unborn children. The film explored themes of identity, paranoia, and fear, with Theron at the center of the growing dread.

‘The Cider House Rules’ (1999)

In this drama based on the John Irving novel, Theron played Candy Kendall, a young woman who develops a relationship with the film’s protagonist, Homer Wells. The story is set in World War II-era Maine and deals with complex themes of love, family, and morality. Candy’s boyfriend is away at war when she and Homer fall in love while working at an apple orchard.

Theron’s portrayal of Candy was both charming and emotionally complex, earning her further recognition as a serious actress. The film was a critical success, receiving multiple Academy Award nominations and wins. Her role as the conflicted and caring Candy was a key part of the movie’s emotional core and a significant step in her career.

‘Reindeer Games’ (2000)

This action-crime thriller stars Theron as Ashley Mercer, a woman who becomes involved with a paroled convict. Her character is part of a scheme to rob a casino, and she draws the ex-convict into the dangerous plot. The film is filled with twists and turns, as characters’ true motives are revealed.

Theron played a femme fatale whose allegiances are constantly in question. The role was a departure from some of her more dramatic work, placing her in a fast-paced thriller with a complex, morally ambiguous character. The film was a mainstream action entry in her filmography.

‘The Yards’ (2000)

In this crime drama, Theron plays Erica Stoltz, a woman caught between her ex-boyfriend, who has just been released from prison, and her current boyfriend, who is involved in the corrupt world of New York’s subway train repair yards. The story follows the ex-convict as he tries to go straight but is pulled into his family’s illegal business.

Theron’s character is at the center of the film’s emotional and moral conflicts. She represents a potential for a better life for the protagonist, but she is also tied to the very world he is trying to escape. The role allowed her to work with a celebrated director in a gritty, character-driven story.

‘Men of Honor’ (2000)

Theron had a supporting role in this biographical film about the first African American Master Diver in the U.S. Navy. She played Gwen Sunday, the wife of a racist and hard-drinking Master Chief Petty Officer who at first torments, and later mentors, the determined young diver.

As Gwen, Theron portrayed a woman who is unhappy in her marriage and witnesses her husband’s struggles with his own prejudices and failures. Her character provides a different perspective on the Master Chief, showing a more vulnerable side to the tough and bitter man. The role, while small, was in a prestigious film with a strong cast.

‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’ (2000)

Set in the 1930s, this sports drama directed by Robert Redford features Theron as Adele Invergordon. She is a wealthy socialite who organizes a high-stakes golf tournament to save her family’s struggling golf resort after her father’s death. She convinces two of the era’s greatest golfers to compete, along with a troubled local war hero.

Theron’s character is the driving force behind the film’s central event. She is portrayed as a strong-willed and elegant woman determined to save her legacy. The role placed her in a classic, picturesque Hollywood film, highlighting her ability to play glamorous, period characters.

‘Sweet November’ (2001)

In this romantic drama, Theron stars as Sara Deever, a free-spirited woman who takes a new lover each month. She convinces a driven advertising executive to live with her for November, promising to change his life for the better. As they fall in love, he discovers that she is hiding a tragic secret about her health.

Theron’s performance as the enigmatic and life-affirming Sara is the emotional core of the film. She portrays a character who lives life to the fullest in the face of her own mortality. The movie is a tearjerker that relies heavily on the chemistry between its two leads and Theron’s ability to convey both joy and heartbreak.

‘The Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ (2001)

This period comedy, written and directed by Woody Allen, is set in the 1940s. Theron plays Laura Kensington, a wealthy and seductive socialite who is part of a complex plot involving hypnosis, jewel thieves, and an insurance investigator. Her character is a modern, independent woman who constantly outsmarts the film’s protagonist.

The film is a throwback to the screwball comedies and film noir of the 1940s. Theron’s role as the sharp-tongued and manipulative heiress was a perfect fit for the style of the movie. She brought glamour and wit to the part, showcasing her comedic timing in a high-profile project.

‘Trapped’ (2002)

In this thriller, Theron plays Karen Jennings, a mother whose asthmatic daughter is kidnapped as part of a sophisticated extortion scheme. The kidnappers have a system where they hold wealthy children for 24 hours while one parent is held captive and the other gets the ransom money. Karen, however, fights back against the man holding her in her own home.

Theron’s character is a resourceful and determined mother who refuses to be a victim. The film is a tense and fast-paced story of survival, with her performance as the fiercely protective parent driving the action. The role showed her ability to lead a suspense film and portray strength under extreme pressure.

‘Waking Up in Reno’ (2002)

This road trip comedy features Theron as Candy Kirkendall, a woman who goes on a trip to a monster truck rally in Reno with her husband and another couple. The film explores the relationships between the two working-class couples, as secrets are revealed and attractions shift during their vacation.

Theron’s role was a comedic one, portraying a character with simple dreams and a complicated love life. She played against type in a broad comedy that focused on the quirky dynamics of its four main characters. The film offered her a chance to showcase a different side of her acting range.

‘The Italian Job’ (2003)

In this action-packed heist film, Theron played Stella Bridger, a skilled safe-cracker. After her father is murdered by a former colleague during a gold heist, Stella joins the rest of her father’s crew to seek revenge and reclaim the stolen gold. She uses her expertise to help them plan a new, elaborate heist to trap the traitor.

The film was a major commercial success, and Theron’s role as the smart and capable Stella was a key part of its appeal. She was a convincing member of the ensemble of thieves, holding her own in a male-dominated cast and in the film’s many action sequences. The movie solidified her status as a bankable action star.

‘Monster’ (2003)

For this biographical crime drama, Theron underwent a dramatic physical transformation to play real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos. The film tells the story of Wuornos’s life as a highway prostitute and her relationship with a young woman, which precedes her murder convictions. Theron’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Theron’s portrayal was widely acclaimed as one of the greatest performances in modern cinema. She disappeared into the role, capturing the psychological and emotional state of a deeply troubled and damaged woman. The film was a turning point in her career, establishing her as one of the most talented and committed actresses of her generation.

‘Head in the Clouds’ (2004)

Set in the 1930s and 40s, this romantic drama stars Theron as Gilda Bessé, a hedonistic and fiercely independent photographer. The story follows her life and relationships with two friends, an Irish schoolteacher and a Spanish activist, against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

Theron’s character is a complex and passionate woman who lives by her own rules, even as the world descends into conflict around her. The role allowed her to portray a glamorous and rebellious figure over a span of many years. The film is a sweeping historical drama centered on her compelling and often tragic character.

‘North Country’ (2005)

In this drama inspired by a true story, Theron played Josey Aimes, a single mother who takes a job at an iron mine in Northern Minnesota to support her family. Once there, she and the other female miners are subjected to constant harassment and abuse from their male coworkers. Josey decides to fight back, filing a landmark class-action lawsuit.

Theron’s performance as the resilient and determined Josey earned her an Academy Award nomination. She powerfully conveyed the emotional and physical toll of the harassment, as well as the courage it took to stand up against a hostile system. The film was a moving and important story about justice and dignity in the workplace.

‘Æon Flux’ (2005)

Based on an animated television series, this science fiction action film stars Theron in the title role. Æon Flux is a mysterious assassin working for a group of rebels in a futuristic, walled city. As she undertakes a mission to kill the government’s leader, she uncovers a deep conspiracy that makes her question everything she believes in.

The role required intense physical training, and Theron performed many of her own stunts. She embodied the agile and deadly futuristic warrior, leading the film’s stylish action sequences. The movie was a major foray into the sci-fi genre for her and cemented her reputation as a formidable action hero.

‘In the Valley of Elah’ (2007)

In this crime drama mystery, Theron played Detective Emily Sanders, a single mother and police officer in a small New Mexico town. She helps a retired military police officer investigate the disappearance and murder of his son, who recently returned from the Iraq War. They uncover a dark story about the psychological trauma soldiers face.

Theron’s portrayal of Detective Sanders was grounded and realistic. She played a dedicated officer dealing with sexism in her own department while trying to solve a brutal and disturbing case. The supporting role was in a critically acclaimed film that dealt with serious and timely themes.

‘Battle in Seattle’ (2007)

This political action-thriller dramatizes the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle. The film follows multiple characters, including protesters, police officers, and delegates, whose lives intersect during the chaotic five days of demonstrations. Theron played Ella, the pregnant wife of a riot police officer, who gets caught in the middle of the protests.

Theron’s character provides a personal and emotional perspective on the city-wide conflict. While not a central character in the large ensemble, her story arc highlights the human impact of the large-scale political events. The film was a passion project for its director and featured a star-studded cast.

‘Sleepwalking’ (2008)

In this drama, which she also produced, Theron played Joleen Reedy, an irresponsible young mother. After her boyfriend is arrested, Joleen abandons her 12-year-old daughter, leaving the girl in the care of her younger brother. The film follows the brother and his niece as they embark on a road trip to find stability.

Theron took on a challenging supporting role as a flawed and unsympathetic character. Her portrayal of Joleen is brief but pivotal, as her actions set the entire story in motion. The film is a somber, character-driven story about family, abandonment, and the search for a home.

‘Hancock’ (2008)

In this superhero film, Theron stars as Mary Embrey, the wife of a public relations specialist who is trying to improve the public image of a reckless and alcoholic superhero. It is later revealed that Mary has superpowers of her own and shares a mysterious, ancient past with the hero.

The film was a massive box office success. Theron’s role had a surprising twist that was a major part of the film’s unique take on the superhero genre. She was not just the supportive wife, but a powerful being whose presence was both a help and a danger to the titular hero, adding a layer of complexity and romance to the story.

‘The Burning Plain’ (2008)

Theron played the lead role of Sylvia in this drama told through a non-linear narrative. Her character is a self-destructive woman dealing with a traumatic past. The film connects her story with that of several other characters in different times and places, slowly revealing the tragic events that link them all.

Theron also served as an executive producer on the film. Her performance as Sylvia is intense and emotional, portraying a woman haunted by guilt and grief. The complex structure of the film relies on her powerful central performance to tie together the different storylines.

‘The Road’ (2009)

Based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, this post-apocalyptic drama tells the story of a father and son trying to survive as they travel across a desolate and dangerous landscape. Theron appears in flashbacks as the wife of the father and mother of the son. Her character chose not to go on with them, having lost all hope in the grim new world.

Though her screen time is limited, Theron’s performance is crucial to the film’s emotional weight. Her character represents the despair and loss that haunt the father as he struggles to protect his son and maintain his own humanity. Her scenes provide a heartbreaking backstory to the main journey.

‘Astro Boy’ (2009)

In this animated science fiction film, Theron provided her voice for the role of the Narrator. The movie is a modern adaptation of the classic manga and anime series about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist. The narrator helps to set up the story and explain the futuristic world in which it takes place.

This voice role allowed Theron to participate in a family-friendly animated project. Her narration provides the introduction to the story of Astro Boy’s origins and his journey to become a hero. The film brought a well-known character to a new generation of audiences.

‘Young Adult’ (2011)

In this dark comedy, Theron stars as Mavis Gary, a writer of young adult fiction who returns to her small Minnesota hometown. Believing she can win back her now-married high school sweetheart, Mavis’s immature and narcissistic behavior leads to a series of awkward and painful encounters. Her performance received widespread critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.

Theron’s portrayal of the deeply flawed Mavis was praised for being both funny and brutally honest. She fearlessly embraced the unlikable aspects of the character, creating a complex portrait of a woman who refuses to grow up. The role is considered one of the highlights of her career, showcasing her skill in balancing comedy and drama.

‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ (2012)

Theron played the villainous Queen Ravenna in this dark fantasy adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Ravenna is a powerful sorceress who is obsessed with being the fairest of them all and drains the youth from young women to maintain her beauty. She seeks to consume Snow White’s heart to achieve true immortality.

As the Evil Queen, Theron delivered a commanding and visually stunning performance. She portrayed Ravenna not just as a one-dimensional villain, but as a tragic figure shaped by a painful past. Her powerful and intimidating presence was a highlight of the film.

‘Prometheus’ (2012)

In this science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, Theron played Meredith Vickers, a cold and calculating corporate executive overseeing a space expedition to find the origins of humanity. Vickers is mission-driven and often clashes with the scientific crew, maintaining a mysterious and authoritative presence on the ship.

Theron’s character is a powerful and enigmatic figure whose true motives are unclear for much of the film. She brought a sense of icy control and authority to the role, adding to the suspense and mystery of the deep-space journey. The film is a visually spectacular prequel to the ‘Alien’ franchise.

‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ (2014)

This Western comedy, directed by and starring Seth MacFarlane, features Theron as Anna, the mysterious and skilled new woman in town. She befriends a cowardly sheep farmer and helps him find his courage. It is later revealed that Anna is the wife of a notoriously dangerous outlaw who is on his way to town.

Theron showcased her comedic talents in this satirical take on the Western genre. Her character is a sharpshooter who is more than capable of handling herself in the rough-and-tumble Old West. She demonstrated great comedic chemistry with her co-star, playing the straight-laced but tough counterpart to his bumbling character.

‘Dark Places’ (2015)

Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this mystery thriller stars Theron as Libby Day, the sole survivor of a brutal massacre that killed her mother and sisters. Years later, she is contacted by a group of amateur investigators who believe her brother, whom she testified against, is innocent. Libby agrees to help them revisit her traumatic past to uncover the truth.

Theron, who also produced the film, gave a raw performance as a woman damaged by her past. She portrayed Libby as cynical and closed-off, struggling to confront the memories she has suppressed for decades. The film is a dark and twisted mystery with her complex character at its center.

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

In this critically acclaimed action film, Theron starred as Imperator Furiosa, a war captain who rebels against a tyrannical ruler to free his female captives. She forms an uneasy alliance with the film’s title character as they are pursued across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Furiosa, with her shaved head and prosthetic arm, became an iconic action hero.

Theron’s performance was praised as the heart and soul of the film. She created a powerful and compelling character who embodied strength, resilience, and a deep desire for redemption. The role is widely considered one of her greatest achievements and a landmark moment for female action heroes in cinema.

‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ (2016)

Theron reprised her role as the evil Queen Ravenna in this prequel/sequel to ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’. The film explores the origins of the Huntsman and introduces Ravenna’s sister, the Ice Queen. Though defeated in the first film, Ravenna’s spirit finds a way to return and unleash her dark magic once again.

While her role is smaller in this film, Theron once again brought a powerful and menacing presence to the character of Ravenna. Her scenes are visually spectacular, showcasing the queen’s wicked power and vanity. The film expanded the fantasy world and the backstory of its compelling villain.

‘The Last Face’ (2016)

This drama, directed by Sean Penn, stars Theron as Wren Petersen, the director of an international aid agency working in war-torn Africa. The film follows her romance with a relief-aid doctor amidst the brutal realities of armed conflict and humanitarian crises.

The role of Wren required Theron to portray a woman navigating the immense pressures of her work while dealing with a passionate but difficult relationship. The film aimed to highlight the challenges faced by aid workers in conflict zones, with her character at the heart of the story.

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)

In this stop-motion animated fantasy film, Theron voiced the character of Monkey. Monkey is a magical snow monkey who acts as a stern but caring guardian to the young protagonist, Kubo, on his quest to find his father’s enchanted armor. She is a brave warrior who protects him from mystical threats.

Theron’s voice performance brought warmth, humor, and ferocity to the character of Monkey. She captured the maternal and protective instincts of the character, as well as her formidable fighting spirit. The film was praised by critics for its stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling.

‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017)

In this action thriller set on the eve of the Berlin Wall’s collapse, Theron played Lorraine Broughton, a top-level MI6 spy. She is sent to Berlin to retrieve a list of double agents and investigate the murder of a fellow agent. The film is known for its intense, long-take action sequences and stylish visuals.

Theron, who also produced the film, fully committed to the physically demanding role, performing many of her own stunts. Her portrayal of the cool, resourceful, and brutal spy was widely praised, solidifying her status as a top-tier action star. The character was a complex and unapologetic anti-hero, driving the film’s intricate plot of espionage and betrayal.

‘The Fate of the Furious’ (2017)

Theron joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as the main villain, Cipher, a brilliant and ruthless cyberterrorist. She manipulates the series protagonist, Dominic Toretto, into turning against his team by holding his former lover and his unknown son hostage. Cipher is the first primary female antagonist in the franchise’s history.

As Cipher, Theron brought a new kind of threat to the series: a mastermind who operates from the shadows and uses technology as her primary weapon. Her cold and calculating performance created a formidable and memorable villain. She would go on to reprise the role in subsequent installments of the popular action series.

‘Tully’ (2018)

This comedy-drama reunited Theron with the writer and director of ‘Young Adult’. She played Marlo, an exhausted mother of three who is gifted a night nanny by her brother. Theron gained a significant amount of weight for the role to realistically portray the physical and emotional toll of motherhood.

Her performance as Marlo was praised for its raw honesty and vulnerability. She captured the overwhelming and often unglamorous reality of being a new mother, from sleep deprivation to postpartum depression. The film was a poignant and often funny look at modern parenthood, with Theron’s brave performance at its center.

‘Gringo’ (2018)

In this dark comedy-crime film, Theron played Elaine Markinson, a ruthless and manipulative co-president of a pharmaceutical company. The story follows a mild-mannered employee who gets caught between his backstabbing bosses, drug lords, and mercenaries while in Mexico.

Theron’s character is a sharp and ambitious executive who is willing to do anything to succeed. She brought a biting comedic edge to the role of the film’s corporate villain. The part allowed her to play a powerful and unapologetically amoral character within an ensemble cast.

‘Long Shot’ (2019)

This romantic comedy stars Theron as Charlotte Field, the U.S. Secretary of State who is preparing to run for president. She hires a rebellious and recently unemployed journalist, whom she used to babysit, to be her speechwriter. An unlikely romance develops between the two as they travel the world on a diplomatic tour.

Theron, also a producer on the film, showcased her comedic timing and charm. She portrayed Charlotte as a brilliant and capable leader who also has a humorous and down-to-earth side. The film was praised for its smart writing and the strong chemistry between its leads.

‘The Addams Family’ (2019)

In this animated adaptation of the classic comics and TV show, Theron provided the voice of Morticia Addams. The matriarch of the spooky and eccentric Addams clan, Morticia is known for her calm, gothic elegance. The film sees the family move to a bland suburban neighborhood in New Jersey, where they clash with a reality TV host.

Theron captured the iconic, deadpan delivery of Morticia, bringing her own interpretation to the beloved character. The role allowed her to be part of a family-friendly film and a new version of a well-known story. She also served as an executive producer on the project.

‘Bombshell’ (2019)

Theron starred as journalist Megyn Kelly in this drama about the women at Fox News who exposed CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. The film also features portrayals of other real-life figures involved in the scandal. Theron’s performance earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Through makeup and prosthetics, Theron underwent another significant physical transformation to embody Kelly. Beyond the look, she captured the journalist’s voice and mannerisms, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance. The film was praised for its timely subject matter and the strength of its lead actresses.

‘The Old Guard’ (2020)

In this Netflix action film, Theron played Andy, also known as Andromache of Scythia, the leader of a small group of immortal mercenaries. For centuries, her team has fought to protect the mortal world in secret. When their existence is exposed, they must fight to protect their freedom and deal with the discovery of a new immortal.

Theron, who also produced the film, led the action with her portrayal of a weary but resolute ancient warrior. The character’s immense combat skill and emotional depth were central to the story’s success. The film was praised for its compelling characters and well-choreographed action sequences.

‘F9’ (2021)

Theron returned to her role as the cyberterrorist Cipher in the ninth installment of the main ‘Fast & Furious’ saga. Although she spends much of the film captured in a glass box, she continues to be a manipulative force, playing a key role in the film’s central conflict between Dominic Toretto and his estranged brother.

Even with limited screen time, Theron’s presence as the overarching villain of the new trilogy was significant. She continued to portray Cipher with a cold and menacing intelligence, proving that the character is a persistent threat to the main heroes even when she is physically contained.

‘The Addams Family 2’ (2021)

Theron once again lent her voice to the character of Morticia Addams in this animated sequel. In an effort to grow closer as a family, Gomez decides to take Morticia and the rest of the clan on a miserable and spooky road trip across America in their haunted camper.

Reprising her role, Theron continued her take on the iconic matriarch. The film built upon the family dynamics established in the first movie, sending the characters on a new adventure full of comical and macabre situations. Her voice work was once again a key part of the ensemble cast.

‘The School for Good and Evil’ (2022)

In this Netflix fantasy film based on a popular book series, Theron played Lady Lesso, the Dean for the School for Evil. The story follows two best friends who are whisked away to an enchanted school where aspiring heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between good and evil.

Theron embraced the role of the glamorous and sharp-tongued head of the villain’s school. With dramatic costumes and a severe hairstyle, she portrayed a character who is a firm believer in the power and necessity of evil in fairy tales. The part allowed her to have fun in a fantastical and stylized world.

‘Fast X’ (2023)

Theron reprised her role as the formidable antagonist Cipher. In this installment, she is forced into an uneasy alliance with Dom and his crew after her operations are taken over by a new, more chaotic villain who is seeking revenge against Toretto’s family.

This film showed a new side of Cipher, as she was no longer the primary antagonist in control. Theron’s character had to adapt to a new threat, revealing more about her capabilities and motivations. Her continued presence expanded her role as a major, recurring figure in the popular franchise.

‘The Old Guard 2’ (2025)

Charlize Theron returns as the immortal warrior Andy in this action-packed sequel. Picking up after the events of the first film, the story finds Andy grappling with her newfound mortality while leading her team on new missions. The group’s world is thrown into chaos with the return of Quỳnh, a powerful immortal from Andy’s past who was trapped for centuries and now seeks retribution.

Alongside Quỳnh, the team faces another formidable new adversary named Discord, played by Uma Thurman. As Andy and her crew fight to protect their existence and humanity, they must confront old wounds and shifting loyalties. The film delves deeper into the mythology of the immortals and features a significant sacrifice that alters the course of Andy’s journey, continuing the high-stakes story of the ancient mercenaries.

From dramatic transformations to commanding action roles, which Charlize Theron performance has impressed you the most?