Charlize Theron is stunned.
Even she can’t think of Netflix’s prediction that her new movie “The Old Guard,” Gina Prince-Bythewood’s adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name, will hit 72 million households in its first four weeks.
“He’s pretty nuts, right?” says Charlize Theron, who plays the leader of a small group of immortal mercenaries. “It’s pretty crazy.”
However, Theron insists that he wasn’t thinking or asking about the numbers while making the movie. “I’m not that brave,” he said with a smile. “I don’t want to hear predictions. No thanks.”
The Oscar winner also said that a sequel has not received the green light … yet. “We are still pushing this one,” he said. “Let’s have a little break, but just given the fact that we all really want to do it, I’m sure that when the time is right, we’ll start the conversation.”
“The Old Guard” is not the only movie on Theron’s mind right now. She will host a screening of “Mad Max: Fury Road” on July 31 on the top floor of the parking structure at the Grove Mall in Los Angeles to benefit the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which helps Fund youth organizations and programs in Theron’s native South Africa.
“I grew up with a drive-in,” Theron said. “We had to go back to the drawing board and be creative. We had to find a way for people to have a good time, but still be safe while raising money for much-needed programs to help young people. ”
Theron understands that asking people for money is not the most comfortable thing to do in a time of such uncertainty. “The most vulnerable among us are still the ones left behind,” he said. “No matter how difficult it is to ask, we cannot not ask because the work is too important.”
The night includes a Q&A with Theron and his “Mad Max” co-star Nicholas Hoult, as well as a dinner. For face masks, Theron expects something thematic for the night. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something with the muzzle Max uses?” she said.
Sponsors of the benefit include Dior, CITI, Porsche, Icelandic Water and the Living Peace Foundation.
