Labeled as one of the greatest action movies of all time, 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron as the leads and George Miller at the directorial helm is an undeniable masterpiece. Featuring countless occurrences of impeccable practical effects, cinematography, and stunt choreography, the film stands as a visual extravaganza. Additionally, the post-apocalyptic wasteland vibes attached to it found grit and surrealism owing to the acting performances by its actors.
Regardless of the adrenaline rush from start to finish, the production of the flick did not go on a smooth sailing journey. An on-set feud between the two highly acclaimed actors put the executives in a fix. Moreover, the entire schedule of shoots went into jeopardy, risking the entire project even before it had a chance to be completed. While different explanations have since come forward regarding the incident, the latest one from the director spilled all the right beans.
George Miller sheds light on Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron’s Mad Max feud
An on-set feud during the productions of Mad Max: Fury Road happened when tensions flared between Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron due to constant delays by the former. In talks with The Telegraph, George Miller stated that “they were just two very different performers” as the prime reason for the feud. All of it again cemented the fact that, unlike the actress who usually was the first one on set, the Venom actor often needed to be “coaxed” out of his trailer due to tardiness.
“Tom has a damage to him but also a brilliance that comes with it, and whatever was going on with him at the time, he had to be coaxed out of his trailer.”
The boiling point for the feud reached when on one occasion Theron showed discipline and dedication as usual and showed up right at the call time of 8 AM, in her War Rig costume and makeup. However, Hardy appeared at least three hours late, forcing the actress to curse him verbally. Thereafter, the duo usually either fought or iced each other.
Furthermore, the situation got so dire that the Imperator Furiosa actress dialed the film’s producer to come down and be present on the set in the Namibia desert and ensure that there were no further conflicts. However, there also lies another deeper aspect to this bitter behavior, something that fans have taken due note of.
Fans side with Tom Hardy’s hidden reason for unprofessionalism
George Miller’s revelations of the feud held both the actors accountable as he held that “there’s no excuse for it”. Yet, the stark details paint Tom Hardy as the prime culprit, but there lies a reason behind his unprecedented behavior. Many fans on social media pointed out that depression and artistic burnout contributed to his laziness, unscheduled delays, and the fiery spat with Charlize Theron.
Clearly you’ve never had depression or an anxiety disorder.
— Stephen Volk (@Stevevolkwriter) May 13, 2024
Lets not act like its easy to leave your bed every morning for work
— westside.uzi (@mononisraeluc) May 13, 2024
Their job is creative and art. Dynamics of that are completely different from traditional and/or blue collar jobs. Keep that in perspective. Acting and Actors isn’t a punch in put in your work type of thing. It’s about quality and emotion.
— RafThree (@RafThree) May 14, 2024
If I recall, Tom was diagnosed with adhd at 12, yeah?
It’s not easy to get someone who has adhd to do anything.
Sometimes, it’s just not happening.That’s kinda why I’m terrified to be in the industry, if I can get there. I have a lot to show, but there are those days…
— Wyly (@Wy7hug) May 14, 2024
this is normal and a little feud cause one is professional and the other not so much happens in all the projects.
— ᓚ ᗢ 𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖔 𝖕𝖚𝖒𝖆 ᗢ ᓗ (@sirakolas) May 13, 2024
In essence, the tensions on set somewhat mirrored their characters in the film, where they had to learn to cooperate for mutual survival. Additionally, it also gave additional grit and anger in the performances that ultimately elevated the movie’s goal and led it toward a $379 million revenue. Moreover, in the years to follow, the two actors have also settled on the fight and buried the hatchet, sealing the lid on the matter.
Mad Max: Fury Road is available to stream on Max and Prime Video and available to purchase on Vudu, Apple TV, and YouTube.
