A gripping blend of survival, revenge, and raw human emotion, Apex is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest original thrillers of 2026. Headlined by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron and co-starring Taron Egerton and Eric Bana, the film has officially wrapped production in Australia and is now deep in post-production.
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur (Everest, Adrift, 2 Guns), Apex brings together a powerhouse creative team, including production giants Chernin Entertainment, Secret Menu, and RVK Studios. With breathtaking Australian landscapes, high-stakes survival elements, and Theron at the centre of the chaos, Apex is poised to be Netflix’s next global action-thriller phenomenon.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Apex |
| Genre | Thriller, Survival, Action |
| Director | Baltasar Kormákur (Everest, Adrift) |
| Writer | Jeremy Robbins |
| Lead Cast | Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, Eric Bana |
| Producers | Chernin Entertainment, Secret Menu, Ian Bryce Productions, RVK Studios |
| Filming Locations | New South Wales, Australia |
| Filming Dates | February 2, 2025 – May 15, 2025 |
| Production Status | Post-Production (as of October 2025) |
| Expected Release | 2026 (TBD by Netflix) |
The Story of Apex: A Deadly Game of Survival
Set in the wilds of Australia, Apex follows Sasha, an adrenaline junkie and grief-stricken woman who ventures into the wilderness to find peace after a devastating personal loss. Her journey takes her to a menacing river known for its deadly rapids and unpredictable terrain — but soon, Sasha realizes that the natural dangers are only part of the threat.
In a cruel twist, she becomes the target of a sinister group turning survival into sport — a deadly cat-and-mouse hunt where she must rely on her instincts, courage, and resilience to make it out alive.
Film critic Lydia Morales describes Apex as,
“A raw survival thriller in the tradition of The Revenant and Run All Night, but with the emotional core and psychological intensity that Charlize Theron delivers so well.”
The movie explores themes of grief, vengeance, and the primal fight for survival — all set against the backdrop of Australia’s unforgiving outback.
Cast and Characters
Charlize Theron as Sasha
The Oscar-winning actress leads Apex as Sasha, a fearless woman confronting both inner demons and external predators. Known for portraying fierce, complex women (Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, The Old Guard), Theron’s casting adds gravitas and intensity to the film.
In a recent interview, a Netflix insider described her performance as “raw, emotional, and physically demanding,” noting that Theron performed many of her own stunts on location in rugged terrain.
“Charlize is at her absolute best in roles that combine vulnerability with unstoppable determination,” said producer Beth Kono. “Sasha’s journey in Apex is both heartbreaking and exhilarating — it’s her most grounded performance since Monster.”
Taron Egerton
Egerton joins as a mysterious figure whose motives remain unclear — an ally or adversary, depending on how the story unfolds. After his acclaimed turns in Rocketman and Netflix’s Carry-On, Egerton brings charisma and emotional range to his role.
“Taron’s character walks the line between savior and threat,” director Kormákur teased. “You’ll never be sure if he’s helping Sasha survive — or leading her into the trap.”
Eric Bana
Rounding out the main trio, Bana plays a key supporting role that ties directly into the film’s central mystery. Bana, who recently starred in Netflix’s upcoming series Untamed, returns to his home country for the shoot, marking a reunion with Australian filmmaking roots that launched his career.
Entertainment writer Alex Rivera commented,
“Bana brings the perfect mix of menace and moral complexity. With Theron and Egerton, this cast lineup is pure dynamite.”
Behind the Scenes: Filming Apex in Australia
Production for Apex took place primarily in New South Wales, Australia, between February 2, 2025, and May 15, 2025. The film’s rugged setting plays a major role in its storytelling — from roaring rivers to remote wilderness landscapes.
Director Baltasar Kormákur, known for his ability to capture nature’s beauty and brutality, reportedly insisted on practical effects and real environments over green-screen sequences.
“We wanted the environment to be its own character,” Kormákur explained during a Netflix production roundtable. “The Australian wilderness doesn’t just serve as a backdrop — it’s an active, unpredictable force that challenges every human instinct.”
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse
Leaked on-set photos from Backgrid USA showed Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton filming intense outdoor sequences near Sydney’s outskirts, often in harsh weather conditions. Some scenes involved fast-moving water and helicopter chase setups, with reports confirming that Theron performed several of her own water stunts.
Filming wrapped in mid-May 2025, followed by an extensive post-production process in Sydney and Los Angeles. The film is now in the editing and scoring stage.
The Production Team
Apex brings together an all-star producing team across several high-profile production houses:
| Production Company | Key Producers / Executives |
|---|---|
| Chernin Entertainment | Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, David Ready |
| Ian Bryce Productions | Ian Bryce (Saving Private Ryan) |
| Secret Menu | Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, AJ Dix |
| RVK Studios | Baltasar Kormákur |
| Additional Producers | Ray Angelic, Will McCance, Dawn Olmstead |
The collaboration between Netflix and these studios underscores the film’s scale and global ambitions.
Film analyst Ravi Mehta observed,
“This is Netflix’s biggest survival thriller since The Gray Man, combining star power, stunning locations, and real emotional stakes. Expect it to headline Netflix’s 2026 film lineup.”
What to Expect from Apex?
- Intense Visuals: With Kormákur’s mastery of natural landscapes, expect sweeping cinematography rivaling Everest and Adrift.
- Emotional Storytelling: Theron’s grief-driven character arc promises both physical and emotional grit.
- Thrilling Set Pieces: Early reports from crew members describe heart-pounding chase sequences, underwater fights, and wilderness survival scenes shot without CGI.
- Psychological Depth: The blend of human trauma and survival instincts will appeal to fans of The Revenant and Run.
When Will Apex Be Released on Netflix?
With principal photography wrapped in May 2025, Apex is now in post-production. Editing, CGI enhancement, and color grading are expected to continue into early 2026.
Based on Netflix’s release cycles for large-scale thrillers, Apex will likely debut sometime in mid-to-late 2026 — potentially between August and November 2026.
Netflix is expected to include Apex in its 2026 movie lineup announcement, which typically drops during the first quarter of each year.
Why Apex Could Be Netflix’s Next Global Hit?
- Star Power: Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton headline one of Netflix’s strongest casts to date.
- Director’s Reputation: Baltasar Kormákur’s proven ability to combine emotional storytelling with physical spectacle.
- Cinematic Production Quality: Shot on location in the wilds of Australia using large-format cameras.
- Universal Themes: Loss, redemption, and survival resonate across cultures and audiences.
Entertainment columnist Nina Torres noted,
“Apex has the hallmarks of a global event film — visually arresting, emotionally charged, and headlined by a cast that commands worldwide attention.”
FAQs
It follows Sasha, a grieving woman who seeks solace in nature but ends up fighting for her life after becoming prey in a deadly human hunt.
The film is directed by Baltasar Kormákur, best known for Everest and Adrift.
Filming took place from February to May 2025 in New South Wales, Australia.
It is expected to hit Netflix in 2026, though the exact date remains unconfirmed.
The cast includes Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, and Eric Bana.
