“I didn’t want to f—k the movie up”: Charlize Theron Was Afraid She Would Sabotage Her Own Movie That Almost Made Her Unrecognizable
Charlize Theron’s Hollywood odyssey stands as a testament to her extraordinary talent and versatility. The pivotal moment in her career came with the film Bombshell, a project that not only showcased her acting prowess but also marked her debut as a producer. Theron’s commitment to the role of Megyn Kelly led to a transformative physical appearance, rendering her almost unrecognizable.
Theron, in one of her candid reflections, opened up about the challenges and rewards of portraying such a controversial and public figure. Her comments revealed the depth of research and emotional investment she poured into the role. The impact of Theron’s portrayal was even recognized by the film industry, earning her a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her role in Bombshell.
Charlize Theron’s Complex Journey into Bombshell
Charlize Theron found herself confronted with an entirely new set of challenges upon embarking on the project Bombshell. Initially drawn to the film as a producer, Theron’s journey took an unexpected turn when she found herself captivated by the script. The actress ultimately decided to step into the shoes of the controversial Fox News figure, Megyn Kelly.
However, this decision was far from a straightforward one for Theron. Charlize Theron told (via Deadline),
“I loved this script so much, and I didn’t want to fuck the movie up. I was trying to talk myself out it. I tend to second-guess myself. I didn’t want to stand in the way of this story.”
Beyond the artistic allure of the script, she faced a considerable ideological distance between herself and the character she was about to portray. Megyn Kelly’s views stood in stark contrast to Theron’s own, presenting a formidable challenge for the actress. Theron told during the film screening (via People),
“[Megyn Kelly is] incredibly well-known, and I’ve never played anybody that’s on that level. I’ve played real people, but people that nobody knows about. There was less pressure when I did those. I was just really scared, too, because I honestly knew her so superficially. She’s conflicting.”
For an artist like Theron, who thrives on the ability to immerse herself in diverse characters, this posed a unique dilemma. The actress, known for her transformative performances, recognized the necessity to transcend her personal beliefs and immerse herself in the essence of Megyn Kelly. As Theron grappled with these initial challenges, her dedication to the film and its inherent complexities eventually became the standout feature.
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Charlize Theron’s Remarkable Transformation into Megyn Kelly in Bombshell
The true allure of Charlize Theron’s role in Bombshell emanated from her remarkable portrayal of Megyn Kelly. Producer and star, Theron underwent a staggering transformation to embody the former Fox News anchor. The process was an intricate daily routine, consuming two and a half hours during the entire shoot of Bombshell.
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The meticulous transformation extended to the minutest details, with Theron’s eyes, particularly that of Megyn Kelly’s, proving to be the most challenging aspect. Despite the reluctance that actors often have towards wearing contact lenses, it was an indispensable element in this metamorphosis. Theron had to go beyond conventional measures, even adjusting the shape of her eyelids to authentically capture Kelly’s distinct gaze. Theron told (via Deadline),
“Whenever we applied everything but the eyelids. it never, ever felt right. I looked like a young Glenn Close. It was bizarre.”
The challenges didn’t deter Theron and the dedicated team, led by makeup designer Kazu Hiro. The Oscar-winning makeup artist acknowledged that transforming an actor into a real person is one of the most formidable tasks. This is particularly true when the audience already holds a preconceived image of the person being portrayed.
The key to success lay in the creation of eight facial prosthetics meticulously crafted by Hiro. These prosthetics played a pivotal role in completely reshaping Theron’s appearance, ultimately leaving viewers astounded by the authenticity of her portrayal as Megyn Kelly.
