Charlize Theron (50) Takes Over Times Square, Scaling Billboard in Real Life After ‘Apex’ Prep
A crowd in Times Square looked up this week as Charlize Theron climbed her way up a massive billboard to promote her new film Apex. The moment quickly drew attention as people gathered below to watch the actress make her way to the top using full climbing gear.
The stunt was not just for show. Theron spent weeks training for the role with professional climber Beth Rodden. The training was part of her preparation for the film, which features intense outdoor survival scenes.
Charlize Theron rock-climbed a billboard in Times Square just to tell you that APEX is NOW ON NETFLIX. pic.twitter.com/1TcOiVkP3t
— Netflix (@netflix) April 24, 2026
In the movie, Theron plays a woman named Sasha who ends up in a dangerous situation while traveling through the wild in Australia. She crosses paths with a man played by Taron Egerton, and the story turns into a fight to stay alive. The film is directed by Baltasar Kormákur and also stars Eric Bana. It was filmed in real locations across New South Wales, including areas near the Blue Mountains.
Theron spoke earlier about learning to climb for the role. She told PEOPLE, “I had never climbed, except for trees when I was a kid in Africa. It’s great. It’s so much fun.” The actor also shared what drew her to the character. At the film’s premiere, she described Sasha as “scrappy” and added, “her tenacity, her grit. She’s resilient, she’s a true survivor.”
I can’t believe I saw Charlize Theron climbing a Times Square billboard 😭
— New York Mickey (@MickmickNYC) April 24, 2026
The lucky people who happened to be there stopped in their tracks as everyone looked up while she scaled a massive billboard towering over the streets. The woman is an absolute icon… because who else is… pic.twitter.com/9F8deDyepx
The film is now available to stream, and Theron’s real-life climb in Times Square helped bring attention to the physical work she put into the role. She is also set to appear in The Odyssey, which is expected to arrive in theaters later this year.
This kind of promotion works because it connects the actor directly to the role in a real way. It is simple and easy to understand. You see the effort, not just hear about it. At the same time, it raises the question of how far actors should go to promote films.
What do you think about this kind of stunt? Does it make you more interested in the movie, or does it feel unnecessary? Share your thoughts in the comments.
