UPDATE: Well, it looks like there is still more to tell when it comes toAtomic Blonde 2.Charlize Therondropped a big bit of news on the upcoming sequel while speaking withTotal Film:Atomic Blonde 2is in development at Netflix. According to the action star, “We took [Atomic Blonde 2] to them andScott Stuber[Head of Original Films at Netflix] was really interested in it. We talked to him about it extensively, and we’re in the process of writing it right now. That character was set up in a way where she didn’t really reveal much of herself. So I feel like there’s a lot of potential there. The bar’s pretty high, but we’re excited about it.”
So, it seems Netflix will most likely be the home of the next chapter ofAtomic Blonde. Considering how successful Theron’s Netflix action debut withThe Old Guardis with audiences, chances are goodAtomic Blonde 2will have a similarly warm reception.
Previously: Charlize Theron rules, full stop. She’s one of our best actors working today, blessed with the range that gives us prickly, low-status characters like her leading role inTully, high-status-but-still-struggling characters like her leading role inLong Shot, and utter slices of action iconography like her leading role inMad Max: Fury Road. This means that she always shines even in projects that don’t quite meet the benchmark promised by their premise. Case in point:Atomic Blonde. While I found this film to be thin and overly cool, Theron, of course, ruled hard, and I’d love to see her revisit the world with sights on improving what was originally accomplished. Thus, I am pleased to hear her update given to theHollywood Reporterabout an upcomingAtomic Blonde 2.
The original 2017 film, directed byJohn Wick’sDavid Leitchand written by300’sKurt Johnstad, cast Theron as a killer, ruthless spy bruising her way through a double-crossing Cold War narrative alongsideJohn Goodman,James McAvoy, andSofia Boutella. While Theron didn’t elaborate on any specific plot details or returning cast members for the sequel (Atomic Brunette?), she did give this brief-but-spicy update:
We’re in the development stages right now, and that’s the one thing that lockdown has been good for — being able to develop with writers over Zoom. So, we’re actively developing [an Atomic Blonde sequel] right now.
“Actively developing” is something I love to hear! And I dig how Theron points out the one entertainment industry silver lining for the pandemic quarantine – the writers do indeed have a ton more time to get scripts exactly correct, leaving me cautiously optimistic forAtomic Blonde 2.
Theron also got candid aboutFuriosa, the upcomingMad Max: Fury Roadprequel focusing on Theron’s character, directed by returning filmmakerGeorge Miller, but not featuring Theron in the title role. Instead, Furiosa will be played by a younger actor (potentiallyAnya Taylor-Joy?), as it will focus on Furiosa’s more formative years. How does Theron feel about this, given she gave a lot of hercreative energyandphysical painto the shoot? I’ll let her speak for herself:
It’s a tough one to swallow. Listen, I fully respect George, if not more so in the aftermath of making Fury Road with him. He’s a master, and I wish him nothing but the best. Yeah, it’s a little heartbreaking, for sure. I really love that character [Furiosa], and I’m so grateful that I had a small part in creating her. She will forever be someone I think of and reflect on fondly. Obviously, I would love to see that story continue, and if he feels like he has to go about it this way, then I trust him in that manner.
It’s a tough one to swallow for me, too. But in showing her respect to Miller as a storyteller, Theron reveals her instincts and viewpoint as a producer, too. Although she loves the character, she recognizes that letting the filmmaker communicate their vision will result in the better picture. I will say this, though, Mr. Miller: Let Theron co-write the screenplay and produce!
For more onAtomic Blonde 2, check out ourginormous interview with Leitch andChad Stahelski.
