Charlize Theron Is Frontrunner for Whiplash-Style NYC Fine-Dining Thriller That Turns Up the Heat

Charlize Theron is circling a new thriller called 'Tyrant,' and the pitch is basically: what if 'Whiplash' traded drum solos for tasting menus. Amazon MGM Studios just won a bidding war for the script, and the whole thing is set in New York City’s rarefied, sharp-elbowed fine-dining world. Yes, the knives will be literal and metaphorical.

What 'Tyrant' is and who’s making it

'Tyrant' would be the feature debut of writer-director David Weil, who created 'Invasion' and 'Hunters.' The script is based on a story by Weil and Cody Behan. Plot specifics are under wraps, but the trade chatter compares it to 'Whiplash' and 'Wall Street' — think ruthless ambition and psychological warfare, just with chefs instead of bankers or bandleaders.

Theron is in final negotiations to both star and produce. Per Deadline, her interest is what pushed Amazon MGM to go hard after the script in the first place. Casting is also underway for another female lead, which points to a two-hander dynamic — mentor and protege, or rival vs. rival — the kind of combustible pairing 'Whiplash' thrived on. If the title is any hint, expect a tyrannical head chef at the center of it. Feels like Theron might be sharpening her knives for that role.

Timing-wise, if her deal closes soon, the plan is to move quickly into production. Amazon MGM seems eager to get this one cooking. Given how 'The Bear' proved just how intense a kitchen can get, I’m not mad at the idea of Theron turning up the heat.

Theron’s packed slate

• 'The Odyssey' with Christopher Nolan — Theron plays Circe; dated for July 17, 2026. She told THR the gig is a little daunting because she’ll be joining the production late.
• 'Apex' at Netflix — in the works, no release date yet.
• 'Jane' from director Alfonso Cuarón — the long-gestating project is still on her docket.
• Recent work: 'The Old Guard 2.'

'I leave in a couple of weeks. I don’t know; I am just going to talk to Chris about it and will see where it goes. It’s super intimidating. I will be the last one to show up. I will be the new kid on the block. Everybody will know what they are doing and not me.'

Bottom line

'Tyrant' is shaping up as David Weil’s jump to features with Theron front and center, Amazon MGM driving fast, and a high-pressure kitchen as the battleground. If the pieces lock quickly, this could hit screens sooner than you’d expect, while 'The Odyssey' waits in the summer 2026 slot.