HOLLYWOOD — Following the explosive success of their survival thriller Apex, Academy Award winner Charlize Theron and director Baltasar Kormákur are officially reteaming for a new action-thriller titled Six Clean Kills.
The project has been landed by Universal Pictures, further solidifying Theron’s long-standing relationship with the studio through her first-look deal under her Secret Menu banner.
A Proven Partnership
The announcement comes just weeks after the duo’s recent collaboration, Apex, debuted at No. 1 globally on Netflix following its April 24, 2026, release. That film, which featured Theron as a rock climber hunted in the Australian wilderness by a deceptive local (Taron Egerton), proved that the Theron-Kormákur pairing is a major draw for action fans.
”They made hanging off a cliff so worthwhile,” Theron shared on Instagram following Apex’s success, a sentiment that seems to have translated into a quick second outing for the pair.
What We Know About ‘Six Clean Kills’
While Universal is keeping specific plot details “under wraps,” the production pedigree suggests another high-intensity, gritty thriller:
- Source Material: The film is an adaptation of an unpublished novel by Stan Parish.
- The Script: Parish is set to adapt the screenplay himself, serving as executive producer.
- Production: Theron will produce alongside her longtime partners AJ Dix and Beth Kono at Secret Menu. Kormákur will direct and produce via his Blueeyes Productions.
- Starring Role: While Theron is currently confirmed as a producer, she is “eyeing the lead role,” which would likely place her back in the center of the film’s tactical action.
Busy Schedules Ahead
Although the deal is set, production may not begin immediately due to the stars’ packed calendars:
- Charlize Theron is currently filming the thriller Tyrant for Amazon MGM Studios alongside Demi Moore and Julia Garner.
- Baltasar Kormákur is in production on the Netflix film The Big Fix, which stars Mark Wahlberg and Riz Ahmed.
Why This Matters
For Universal, Six Clean Kills represents a “safe bet” on a proven commodity. Theron has become a cornerstone of Universal’s action slate through the Fast & Furious franchise, while Kormákur previously delivered the survival hit Beast (starring Idris Elba) for the studio.
By securing an adaptation of a new novel with a team that just delivered a streaming hit, Universal is positioning Six Clean Kills as one of its most anticipated mid-budget action entries for 2027.
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