Charlize Theron has proven time and again that she excels in action-packed roles—from the futuristic assassin Æon Flux to the survivor of Mad Max: Fury Road and fighter in Fast & Furious. Most recently, she starred in The Old Guard 2, a Netflix sequel that, despite poor critical reception, has gained significant viewers. However, what audiences truly crave is the return of Theron as MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton in Atomic Blonde, a spy thriller set during the final days of the Berlin Wall. This film showcases Theron at her best, combining style, intensity, and complex characterization, elements that make the Charlize Theron Atomic Blonde sequel a highly awaited project.
In Atomic Blonde, Theron’s character is a skilled operative engaged in a dangerous mission to recover a microfilm exposing undercover agents. She navigates a fraught web of allies and enemies, supported by a strong cast including James McAvoy, John Goodman, and Sofia Boutella. The movie is adapted from Antony Johnston’s graphic novel, The Coldest City, and features significant contributions from the creative team behind the first John Wick movie—director David Leitch, cinematographer Jonathan Sela, editor Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir, and composer Tyler Bates—providing a sleek, kinetic backdrop to this Cold War espionage thriller.
The Blend of 1980s Nostalgia and Intense Action in Atomic Blonde
Atomic Blonde stands out for its vivid 1980s setting and atmosphere, which enhances the spy narrative without overshadowing the gripping action sequences. The film pays homage to the decade through its soundtrack, featuring unique versions of well-known hits such as the German covers of “Major Tom” and “99 Red Balloons,” immersing viewers in the vibrant Berlin setting. Director David Leitch’s approach is reminiscent of his work on Bullet Train, including creative musical choices like Miki Asakura’s cover of “Holding Out for a Hero.” The integration of George Michael’s “Father Figure” in a dance scene cleverly ties into the film’s erotic undertones and action, illustrating how music amplifies the intensity of key moments.
Lorraine’s striking platinum hair, echoing ’80s pop icon Debbie Harry, visually reinforces the film’s dedication to era-specific detail. While the widespread 1980s revival trend has tempered, Atomic Blonde proves this aesthetic remains effective and relevant, reinforcing why the Charlize Theron Atomic Blonde sequel holds potential to captivate new and longtime fans alike. Moreover, the film’s action sequences deliver thrilling set pieces, characterized by long, uncut shots that display Theron’s raw physicality and powerful presence—a noticeable contrast to the rapid, fragmented editing seen in other recent action films like The Old Guard 2.
While some critics point to the complex plot and multiple twists as points of confusion, these narrative elements do not diminish the film’s strengths. Instead, they offer fertile ground for a sequel to refine and expand the story. Atomic Blonde earned approximately $100 million worldwide against a $30 million production budget, a financial success that outshined similar female-led stylized action films like Ballerina. Despite this, progress toward a confirmed sequel with Theron returning as Lorraine Broughton has stalled.
The Old Guard 2’s Release Highlights the Delay of Atomic Blonde’s Follow-Up
Since 2020, there have been occasional mentions about the possibility of an Atomic Blonde sequel finding a home on Netflix. Screenwriter Kurt Johnstad, who penned the original film’s script, has expressed interest in developing a trilogy, although he has not been actively approached for further involvement. Director David Leitch has articulated one of the primary issues facing the sequel:
“Everyone’s still trying to unravel rights issues, and it had traveled from Universal to Netflix for a bit.”
—David Leitch
This tangled rights situation has created a significant hurdle, preventing the project from moving forward despite fan enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Charlize Theron continues to headline action projects like The Old Guard 2, which, although not as critically impressive as hoped, has seen success on the Netflix platform. This success may provide the leverage needed to finally greenlight the Atomic Blonde sequel, as streaming services increasingly invest in proven franchises led by high-profile stars.
Theron’s continued commitment to action roles keeps the door open for a possible return to Lorraine Broughton’s character. With a dedicated fanbase and an iconic original film, the sequel could overcome development challenges by confidently embracing the boldness, style, and intense physicality that made Atomic Blonde compelling. The next chapter may even expand the nostalgic backdrop into the 1990s, responding to current cinematic interest in that decade, thereby widening the scope for thrilling espionage stories.
Why a Return to Atomic Blonde Fits the Current Action Landscape
Atomic Blonde’s combination of strong female lead, atmospheric period setting, and adrenaline-fueled action stands out among recent spy thrillers. While The Old Guard 2 features a confrontation between Theron and Uma Thurman, it lacks the unique flair and character depth of Atomic Blonde. Critics and audiences alike recognize that Atomic Blonde set a new standard with its choreographed fights, stylish cinematography, and research-driven immersion into Cold War espionage.
The film’s willingness to embrace complexity and darker themes within a purely entertaining framework gives it lasting appeal and room for development. A sequel would not only resolve plot confusion but also capitalize on increased nostalgia for the late 1980s and early 1990s, potentially incorporating fresh villains and evolving the story beyond Berlin’s divided backdrop. This makes the Charlize Theron Atomic Blonde sequel an important contender for revitalizing contemporary spy action cinema.
Given Charlize Theron’s proven ability to carry demanding roles with urgency and charisma, and the enthusiastic fanbase calling for Lorraine Broughton’s return, the sequel remains a project with strong creative and commercial reasons to move forward. Its completion could reignite interest in a stylish espionage saga that balances gritty action with intricate storytelling, distinguishing it from other franchise offerings.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What illness did Charlize Theron have as a child?
A. As a child, she often suffered from jaundice. The antibiotics she took caused her front baby teeth to decay, requiring surgery to remove them. Her adult teeth didn’t come in until she was about ten.
Q. How did Charlize Theron get PTSD?
A. The actress was an only child raised on her family’s farm in Benoni, South Africa, near Johannesburg. At age 15, her mother, Gerda Maritz, shot her father, Charles, in self-defense after he came home drunk and threatened them with a gun.
