Charlize Theron is 'heartbroken' not to be playing Furiosa in the 'Mad Max' prequel

Soon we'll see the return of the formidable Imperator Furiosa on screens, in a prequel project to Mad Max: Fury Road.

The main difference being, sadly, that she won't be played by Charlize Theron.

Theron played the shorn road warrior in director George Miller's stunning 2015 comeback movie, but he's said that, despite recent advances in de-ageing tech, he won't be heading down that road in the planned Furiosa origin story.

So that means no Charlize.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said: “It’s a tough one to swallow. Listen, I fully respect George, if not more so in the aftermath of making that film with him. He’s a master, and I wish him nothing but the best.

“Yeah, it’s a little heartbreaking, for sure. I really love that character, and I’m so grateful that I had a small part in creating her. She will forever be someone I think of and reflect on fondly. Obviously, I would love to see that story continue, and if he feels like he has to go about it this way, then I trust him in that manner.

“We get so hung up on the smaller details that we forget the thing that we emotionally tap into has nothing to do with that minute thing that we’re focusing on.”

Speaking to The New York Times in May, Miller said that 'despite the valiant attempts on The Irishman, I think there’s still an uncanny valley', when it comes to de-ageing.

Instead, he's seeking an actress in her 20s for the role.

Leading the pack, according to rumours circulating earlier this year, is The Witch star Anya Taylor-Joy.

Fury Road was a smash with critics on its release, many naming it the best movie of the year, and consequently one of the best of the decade.

However, due to a sturdy $185 million budget, it was only a modest financial success, making $375 million worldwide.

It found Tom Hardy picking up the role of Max Rockatansky, made famous in the 80s by Mel Gibson.