Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron is set for a remarkable slate of high-profile projects
Charlize Theron, the Academy Award-winning South African-American actress, continues to solidify her position as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars. From her Oscar-winning performance in Monster (2003) to her action-packed role in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Theron has demonstrated an exceptional range across genres. Beyond her acting prowess, she has emerged as a formidable producer through her production banner, Secret Menu, which she established to champion diverse storytelling.
The period spanning 2026–2027 represents a particularly significant chapter in Theron’s illustrious career. During this timeframe, audiences will witness her in multiple high-budget spectacles, gripping thrillers, and prestige television. From collaborating with Christopher Nolan on an epic adaptation to headlining intense survival dramas, Theron’s upcoming slate showcases her commitment to challenging roles and quality filmmaking.
What makes this period especially noteworthy is Theron’s dual role as both performer and producer across several projects. This dual capacity allows her creative control over the narratives she brings to screen, ensuring that her artistic vision extends beyond mere performance. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Theron’s strategic choice of projects reflects both commercial appeal and artistic ambition.
Major Film Projects (2026–2027)
2.1 The Odyssey (2026)
Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem stands as one of the most significant cinematic events of 2026. The Odyssey brings together an extraordinary ensemble cast, with Charlize Theron joining the ranks of Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, and Lupita Nyong’o.
Production Details: The film adapts the classic Greek epic following Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, on his perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Theron is reportedly portraying Circe, the powerful enchantress who plays a pivotal role in Odysseus’s odyssey. The character of Circe represents one of mythology’s most complex female figures—a goddess and sorceress who demonstrates both benevolence and danger.
With a reported budget of $250 million, The Odyssey represents Nolan’s most ambitious project to date. The filmmaker has meticulously crafted the screenplay from Homer’s source material, promising a faithful yet cinematic interpretation of the legendary tale. The production wrapped filming in early 2025 and is currently in post-production.
Release Expectations: Universal Pictures has scheduled The Odyssey for a worldwide IMAX release on July 17, 2026. This summer release date aligns with Nolan’s traditional release windows, previously occupied by films like Dunkirk and Oppenheimer. Given Nolan’s track record and the star-studded cast, industry analysts predict The Odyssey could emerge as one of 2026’s biggest box office performers.
For Theron, this marks her first collaboration with Nolan, placing her within the director’s expanding universe of acclaimed performers. The role of Circe offers Theron an opportunity to blend dramatic gravitas with potentially fantastical elements, diverging from her recent action-heavy filmography.
2.2 Apex (2026)
Netflix’s survival thriller Apex reunites Theron with the streaming giant following the success of The Old Guard franchise. This intense cat-and-mouse thriller places Theron in one of her most physically demanding roles to date.
Plot and Production: Directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Everest, Beast), Apex follows Sasha, a grieving rock climber portrayed by Theron, who ventures into the Australian wilderness to test her limits. However, her solitary challenge transforms into a deadly game when she discovers she’s being hunted by a ruthless predator, played by Taron Egerton in a rare villainous role. Eric Bana rounds out the principal cast.
The film has been described as “‘Free Solo’ meets ‘Silence of the Lambs,'” combining extreme outdoor survival with psychological thriller elements. Filming took place across New South Wales, Australia, in early 2025, with production wrapping in demanding conditions.
Theron’s Physical Preparation: In recent interviews, Theron revealed the extraordinary physical demands of the role: “I had never climbed, except for trees when I was a kid in Africa. I was climbing pretty much every day… I climb all of the actual mountains in the movie—and I’m climbing it barefoot on my own raw feet.”
Director Kormákur praised Theron’s transformation: “It was fascinating seeing Charlize transform and take on the different challenges. From an avid barefooted climber to a great kayaker and swimming through crazy rivers, not to mention fighting for her life. We decided not to take any shortcuts.”
Release Window: Apex is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Netflix on April 24, 2026. The film represents a significant addition to Netflix’s 2026 slate, which includes other high-profile releases. Theron also serves as a producer through her Secret Menu banner alongside Beth Kono and A.J. Dix.
2.3 Mysteria (TBA – Likely 2026–2027)
Amazon MGM Studios has boarded the cyber thriller Mysteria, with Theron in early negotiations to star and produce. The project represents another collaboration between Theron’s Secret Menu and a major streaming platform.
Project Status: Director Craig Zobel (Mare of Easttown, The Hunt) is in early talks to helm the feature. The screenplay comes from Eric Heisserer, the Oscar-nominated writer behind Arrival, who is also producing through his Chronology banner alongside Carmen Lewis.
Genre and Premise: While plot details remain largely under wraps, Mysteria is described as a cyber thriller. This genre designation suggests the film will explore themes related to technology, surveillance, or digital warfare—timely subjects given contemporary anxieties about cybersecurity and privacy.
Amazon MGM Studios has emphasized that the project is in early development stages. However, sources indicate that if negotiations close successfully, the film would be developed as a starring vehicle for Theron, with her Secret Menu partners Kono and Dix producing alongside her.
The timing of Mysteria remains flexible, though production could potentially commence in late 2026 or early 2027, depending on Theron’s schedule and script development.
2.4 Cash (TBA – Paramount+ Series)
Marking a significant departure from her predominantly film-focused career, Theron is set to headline Cash, described as her first major television series. This limited political drama series will stream on Paramount+ and represents acclaimed director David O. Russell’s debut as a series director.
Production Details: Filming for Cash is scheduled to take place in London during spring 2026. Russell, known for films like American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook, brings his distinctive directorial style to the small screen for the first time.
Plot and Themes: While specific plot details remain confidential, sources confirm that Cash will tackle themes involving Russian oligarchs and the British government. This premise suggests a politically charged narrative examining power, wealth, and international intrigue.
Theron currently stands as the only announced cast member, though additional casting is expected to be revealed as production approaches. The series format allows for deeper character development than traditional feature films, potentially offering Theron an opportunity to explore complex characterization across multiple episodes.
Significance: This project represents Theron’s strategic expansion into prestige television, a medium that has increasingly attracted Hollywood’s biggest stars. Following the success of limited series formats, Cash could position Theron for potential Emmy recognition while expanding her creative footprint beyond theatrical releases.
2.5 Tyrant (TBA – Likely 2027)
Amazon MGM Studios has assembled an impressive package for Tyrant, a thriller that reunites Theron with the studio following Mysteria and the upcoming Jane project.
Creative Team: Writer-director David Weil (Hunters, Solos) is helming the project from his original script, co-written with Cody Behan. Amazon and The Picture Company secured the spec script in August following a competitive bidding war, with the project fast-tracked once Theron expressed interest.
Cast and Production: In January 2026, Julia Garner (Ozark, The Fantastic Four: First Steps) was confirmed to co-star opposite Theron. Garner’s casting followed significant industry interest, with multiple actresses reportedly pursuing the role.
Plot Details: While Amazon MGM Studios maintains strict confidentiality regarding specific plot points, Tyrant is described as having “shades of Wall Street and Whiplash” set within New York City’s high-end culinary world. This description suggests an intense mentor-protégé dynamic reminiscent of the psychological intensity found in those acclaimed films.
The culinary setting offers fresh territory for both actresses, potentially exploring themes of perfectionism, power dynamics, and artistic obsession within fine dining’s demanding environment.
Production Timeline: The film is scheduled to commence shooting later in 2026, with a likely 2027 release window. Theron produces through Secret Menu alongside Kono and Dix, with The Picture Company’s Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona also producing.
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Continued Franchise Work
Theron’s 2026–2027 period builds upon recent franchise work that has expanded her action star credentials. While The Old Guard 2 released in 2025 on Netflix, its success demonstrates Theron’s continued viability in the action-thriller space. The sequel’s performance has sparked discussions about potential future installments, though no official announcements have been made.
Additionally, Theron’s involvement in the Fast & Furious franchise continues, with Fast X: Part 2 scheduled for 2027. Her portrayal of Cipher, the cyberterrorist antagonist, has become a fan-favorite element of the series, showcasing her ability to command the screen in blockbuster ensemble casts.
These franchise commitments complement her slate of original projects, demonstrating Theron’s strategic balance between commercially proven properties and artistically ambitious ventures.
Other Notable Projects in Development
Beyond the confirmed 2026–2027 slate, several additional projects remain in various stages of development:
Jane (Amazon Studios): Theron is attached to star in and produce this Philip K. Dick family drama directed by Alfonso Cuarón (Roma, Gravity). The film explores the relationship between the legendary science fiction author and his twin sister Jane, who died shortly after birth. Written by Jack Thorne, Jane promises a genre-bending approach to biographical storytelling. While currently in pre-production, the project could potentially enter production in 2027.
Two for the Money (Apple Original Films): This heist thriller pairs Theron with Daniel Craig, with Justin Lin (Fast & Furious franchise) attached to direct. The film follows career thieves whose relationship spans three major heists. While development continues, the project’s timeline remains uncertain.
Industry & Career Impact
Theron’s 2026–2027 slate demonstrates several significant trends in her evolving career:
Genre Versatility: From epic mythological drama (The Odyssey) to survival thriller (Apex) to political television (Cash) to culinary psychological drama (Tyrant), Theron’s upcoming projects showcase remarkable genre diversity. This strategic variety ensures she avoids typecasting while appealing to different audience segments.
Producer Empowerment: Through Secret Menu, Theron serves as producer on the majority of her upcoming projects. This positioning grants her creative control and the ability to shape narratives from development through release. Her production involvement reflects a broader industry trend of stars leveraging their marquee status to influence content creation.
Streaming and Theatrical Balance: Theron’s slate includes both major theatrical releases (Universal’s The Odyssey) and streaming exclusives (Netflix’s Apex, Paramount+’s Cash, Amazon’s Tyrant and Mysteria). This multi-platform approach acknowledges the evolving entertainment landscape while maximizing her reach across different distribution models.
Collaboration with Acclaimed Filmmakers: Working with directors like Christopher Nolan, David O. Russell, Baltasar Kormákur, Craig Zobel, and David Weil positions Theron alongside some of cinema’s most respected auteurs. These collaborations enhance her artistic credentials while potentially positioning her projects for awards consideration.
Physical Commitment: Projects like Apex underscore Theron’s continued willingness to undertake demanding physical preparation. At 50 years old, her commitment to performing her own stunts and enduring rigorous training demonstrates her dedication to authenticity in action roles—a rarity among actors of comparable stature.
Conclusion
The 2026–2027 period represents one of the most diverse and ambitious phases in Charlize Theron’s distinguished career. From Christopher Nolan’s mythological epic to Netflix’s survival thriller, from Paramount+’s political drama to Amazon’s culinary psychological thriller, Theron’s upcoming slate offers something for every audience segment.
What distinguishes this period is not merely the quantity of projects but their quality and variety. Theron has strategically positioned herself across multiple platforms, genres, and creative partnerships, ensuring continued relevance in an rapidly evolving entertainment industry. Her dual role as performer and producer grants her unprecedented creative control, allowing her to champion projects that align with her artistic vision.
For fans and industry observers alike, anticipation runs high for these releases. The Odyssey promises spectacle on an unprecedented scale, Apex offers intense survival thrills, Cash marks her prestige television debut, and Tyrant reunites her with rising star Julia Garner for what could be an awards-worthy dramatic showcase.
As Theron continues to evolve her legacy, these projects reinforce her status as one of contemporary cinema’s most compelling and versatile performers. Whether battling mythological creatures, surviving wilderness predators, navigating political intrigue, or exploring culinary obsession, Theron’s commitment to challenging roles ensures her continued prominence at the forefront of global entertainment.
The coming years will reveal whether these projects achieve their considerable potential, but one certainty remains: Charlize Theron’s artistic journey continues to captivate and surprise audiences worldwide.
Asif Ali is an entertainment content creator and movie enthusiast at Movie Trend. I covers the latest movie news, OTT updates, and trending entertainment stories with a focus on accuracy, originality, and reader value.
