Charlize Theron Needed Security After Fight With Tom Hardy on 'Mad Max: Fury Road'
Following an altercation between the two stars, Charlize Theron demanded a producer be present with her on set at all times.
For audience members, the drama of movie sets comes in rumors and gossip. Occasionally, an actor or actors will speak out about their experience on set confirming or denying any stories of misbehavior. For Charlize Theron, her outlet to dish the whole truth about her experience on the set of Mad Max: Fury Road comes through a new book written by journalist Kyle Buchanan.
In Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road, Buchanan depicts the reality of the 2015 blockbuster's set, including Theron's experience with co-star Tom Hardy. In an excerpt published by Vanity Fair, the clash between the pair is made clear, which ultimately resulted in Theron feeling unsafe while filming.
However, one specific altercation led Theron to demand protection on set.
According to the book, the fight—which had already been reported but lacked detail—was more intense than imagined, involving name-calling and even physical contact between the actors.
The root of the altercation was Hardy's persistent lateness and lack of respect for the shooting schedule. Theron, a new mother at the time of filming, needed to leave set at the agreed time in order to maintain a good work and home life balance. One day, Hardy missed an 8 a.m. call time which prompted Theron to sit in the famous "War Rig" until he arrived three hours later. His lateness made Theron explode, resulting in Hardy firing back at her.
Following their dispute, a producer was with Theron at all times on set.
Hardy later admitted guilt, saying, “Sometimes the pressure on both of us was overwhelming. What she needed was a better partner, maybe more experienced than me. This is something that cannot be faked. I'd like to think that now that I'm older and uglier, I might rise to the occasion."