The recent collaboration between Academy Award winner Charlize Theron and director Baltasar Kormákur on the Netflix survival thriller Apex has proven so successful that the duo is already moving toward their next major project. Following the strong performance of Apex, which has dominated Netflix’s global viewership charts since its release in April 2026, the pair are set to reunite for a new film titled Six Clean Kills at Universal Pictures.
The Genesis of a New Partnership
The creative spark between Theron and Kormákur ignited during the grueling production of Apex. Shot on location in the rugged terrain of New South Wales, Australia, the film demanded an intense level of physical and emotional commitment from both the lead actress and the director. Kormákur, known for his mastery of “man vs. nature” narratives in films like Everest and Adrift, found a perfect muse in Theron, whose reputation for performing her own stunts and immersing herself in physically demanding roles is well-documented.
According to industry reports, Theron had been looking for a project that would challenge her in new ways after a brief planned hiatus. The script for Apex—originally a 2021 Black List selection—was described as “unputdownable,” prompting her to return to the screen earlier than expected. The synergy on set was so palpable that even before Apex finished its post-production phase, the two were actively discussing what their next venture could be.
Moving from the Outback to Universal: Six Clean Kills
Their follow-up project, Six Clean Kills, marks a significant move to Universal Pictures, where Theron has a first-look deal through her production banner, Secret Menu. The film is an adaptation of an upcoming, unpublished novel by Stan Parish. While specific plot details remain closely guarded by the studio, Parish is personally handling the screenplay adaptation, ensuring the transition from page to screen maintains the author’s original vision.
The project is being positioned as a high-priority title for Universal. Producers include Theron herself alongside AJ Dix and Beth Kono for Secret Menu, while Kormákur will produce through his RVK Productions banner. They are joined by veteran producers Ian Bryce, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and David Ready of Chernin Entertainment.
The Impact of Apex
The greenlighting of Six Clean Kills is undoubtedly fueled by the massive success of Apex. In the film, Theron plays Sasha, a mountain climber grappling with the traumatic loss of her partner, Tommy (played in flashbacks by Eric Bana). Seeking closure, she travels to the Australian wilderness for a solo trip, only to become the prey of a deranged local hunter named Ben (portrayed by Taron Egerton).
Apex distinguished itself by stripping away typical action movie tropes. Writer Jeremy Robbins revealed that the team intentionally removed a subplot involving a helpful park ranger and eliminated high-tech gear to make Sasha’s struggle feel more raw and desperate. This “stripped-down” approach resonated with audiences; the film debuted at number one on Netflix’s global English film list and maintained its top position for several weeks. Critics praised the chemistry between Theron’s resilience and Egerton’s chilling, methodical performance as a cannibalistic serial killer.
Looking Ahead
With Six Clean Kills, fans can expect a similar level of intensity. While Apex focused on a visceral fight for survival against a singular predator in the wild, Six Clean Kills is rumored to lean more into the thriller-noir genre, though the studio has not yet confirmed the tone.
This partnership represents a powerful union between a director who thrives in hostile environments and an actress who has redefined the modern female action lead. As Theron and Kormákur transition from the sun-drenched, lethal forests of Australia to the world of Stan Parish’s fiction, they are quickly becoming one of the most formidable director-actor pairings in the industry today. Production timelines for Six Clean Kills have yet to be announced, but with the momentum of Apex behind them, the project is expected to move into active development later this year.
