Charlize Theron 'Heartbroken' Over 'Mad Max' Prequel Role, How Much Money Did She Miss Out On?

It's not all that uncommon for actors to be swapped out for the same role as time goes on -- just look at Batman or any James Bond movie. Just because it happens, though, doesn't mean it doesn't hurt a little.

At least that how Charlize Theron felt after hearing that the "Mad Max: Fury Road" character she made popular would be taken over by a younger actress.

"It’s a tough one to swallow," Theron admitted to The Hollywood Reporter about the director's decision to tap younger talent for the prequel "Furiosa". "Listen, I fully respect George [Miller], if not more so in the aftermath of making 'Fury Road' 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," she continued. "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," the 44-year-old actress added.

Not only does it hurt emotionally for Theron, but she's likely missing out on a major payday as the lead for the prequel of the critically acclaimed film. While her absence makes it impossible to know exactly how much she would have gotten paid for the role, a look at her work and net worth since the 2015 action-adventure project should give some insight.

Since appearing in "Mad Max: Fury Road," the South African actress's net worth has only climbed, based on evaluations done by Forbes. Just two years after her starring role she ranked No. 6 on the list of highest-paid actresses with earnings totaling around 14 million. Fast forward another two years, she's No. 9 on the list, but her earnings still grew to a whopping $23 million.

Not to mention Theron went on to be a part of award-winning films like "Bombshell" (2019) and "Tully" (2018), as well as, "The Long Shot" (2019), "Atomic Blonde" (2017), and "The Fate of the Furious" (2017). She also starred in 2016's "The Huntsman: Winter's War" where she was able to demand the same pay as her A-list costar Chris Hemsworth, which was over $10 million.

With all that experience behind her, Theron could easily be missing out on an 8-figure payday as the lead in the "Mad Max: Fury Road" prequel "Furiosa," but it looks like she's been too busy snagging her next check to even think about it. Her new movie "The Old Guard" hits Netflix on July 10 and "F9" (the ninth installment of "The Fast and Furious" series) is scheduled to be released in 2021.