Charlize Theron recalls ‘scary’ Ggnfire incident during camping trip
The actress said a peaceful outdoor setting quickly turned terrifying in the early hours
Charlize Theron has opened up about a frightening real-life experience that left a lasting impression, recalling a “very scary” moment from her past while promoting her upcoming film.
Speaking to People at the New York premiere of Apex, Charlize Theron reflected on a camping trip that quickly turned unsettling, offering a glimpse into the kind of fear that can emerge even in the most scenic surroundings.
“I like nature… but I’m not like a crazy camper or anything like that. It’s like the scariest,” Theron said, admitting she has never fully embraced the outdoors lifestyle.
The Oscar-winning actress went on to describe waking up during one trip to the sound of gunfire nearby.
The unexpected and dangerous situation, she explained, transformed what should have been a peaceful environment into something deeply alarming.
“You’d wake up at 4 a.m. and somebody’s shooting a gun right next to you,” she said, adding that such moments highlight how “a beautiful place turns very scary.”
Theron revealed that memories of the incident resurfaced while filming Apex, a survivalist thriller set in the Australian outback, where she plays a resilient and resourceful character named Sasha.
The role, she noted, resonated with her admiration for strength and perseverance.
“I like scrappy people,” she said, describing her character as someone defined by grit and determination.
Beyond her on-screen work, Theron also offered a candid and humorous glimpse into her life as a mother during a recent podcast appearance.
The actress, who is raising two daughters, joked about the challenges of parenting strong-willed children, describing them as “firecrackers” with intense personalities.
Despite the lighthearted tone, Theron acknowledged the emotional highs and lows that come with raising teenagers, noting that while her daughters love deeply, their disagreements can be equally intense.
Apex, which also stars Taron Egerton and is directed by Baltasar Kormákur, is set to debut on Netflix on April 24, 2026.