Charlize Theron Stars in Netflix’s Intense Survival Thriller ‘Apex’: A Deadly Game of Predator and Prey in the Australian Wilderness

Netflix has unleashed the first teaser and stunning images for Apex, an upcoming survival action thriller that pits Oscar winner Charlize Theron against a ruthless killer in the unforgiving Australian outback. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Everest, Adrift), the film promises high-stakes tension, breathtaking stunts, and a visceral cat-and-mouse chase when it premieres globally on April 24, 2026.

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Theron stars as Sasha, a grieving woman seeking solace and pushing her physical limits through extreme rock climbing and kayaking in remote wilderness areas. What begins as a personal journey of healing quickly turns nightmarish when she becomes the target of a sadistic serial killer, played by Taron Egerton (Kingsman, Rocketman). The official logline teases: “A grieving woman testing her limits in the Australian wilderness is suddenly ensnared in a deadly game with a ruthless predator.”

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Joining the leads is Australian actor Eric Bana (Hulk, Troy), whose role remains shrouded in mystery but adds another layer of intrigue. The screenplay comes from Jeremy Robbins, with production handled by a powerhouse team including Chernin Entertainment, Ian Bryce Productions, Theron’s own Secret Menu, and Kormákur’s RVK Studios.

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Netflix’s Apex Trailer: Taron Egerton Hunts Charlize Theron In The …

Filming took place in the rugged terrains of New South Wales, Australia, including the iconic Blue Mountains, from February to May 2025. Theron, known for performing her own stunts in films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and Netflix’s The Old Guard franchise, went all-in here. She revealed in interviews that she climbed real cliffs barefoot, kayaked through treacherous rivers, and trained extensively to build strength for the role. “I was just getting as strong as I could because I climb all of the actual mountains in the movie,” Theron told People magazine. “I’m climbing all of it — and I’m climbing it barefoot on my own raw feet.”

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Director Kormákur praised Theron’s dedication, noting the no-shortcuts approach to authenticity. “Working in the rugged, beautiful terrains of Australia with three of the world’s most talented, dedicated actors… is such a joy — even as I put them through the ringer in this unique survivor story,” he shared with Netflix’s Tudum. The production navigated remote locations, requiring hikes and real environmental challenges to capture the film’s raw intensity.

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The recently released teaser trailer amplifies the suspense, showing Theron scaling sheer rock faces, navigating raging waters, and fleeing through dense bushland as Egerton’s predator closes in. Symbolic imagery, like a praying mantis devouring prey, underscores the hunter-hunted dynamic. Egerton, stepping into villainous territory after recent roles in Carry-On, brings a chilling presence to the antagonist.

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Apex marks another high-octane entry in Theron’s action repertoire, following her acclaimed return in The Old Guard 2 earlier in 2025. For Kormákur, it’s a return to survival themes after films like Adrift and Beast. Netflix acquired the project in early 2024, drawn to its blend of psychological thriller elements and physical spectacle—often compared to a mix of Free Solo and The Silence of the Lambs in early buzz.

First-look images highlight the film’s stunning visuals: Theron gripping cliffs with raw determination, sharing tense moments with Egerton, and the vast, isolating landscapes that serve as both sanctuary and trap. The Australian wilderness isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character, amplifying the isolation and danger.

As anticipation builds, Apex positions itself as a standout in Netflix’s 2026 slate, appealing to fans of gritty survival tales like The Revenant or 127 Hours, but with a modern predator-prey twist. Theron’s transformation—physically and emotionally—promises to be a highlight, showcasing her versatility beyond immortal warriors or spies.

With its release just months away, Apex is poised to deliver adrenaline-fueled thrills and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Mark your calendars for April 24, 2026—this is one hunt you won’t want to miss.

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