George Miller had to wait nearly three decades to put all the pieces together for another Mad Max film. Mad Max: Fury Road went through a chaotic production due to several story changes. By the time Miller and other key decision-makers found an agreement on how they’d approach the first entry since 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, time stepped in.
Mel Gibson, the star of the 1979 hit, became too old for the role of the Road Warrior, leading to Tom Hardy taking the mantle. Despite early fears over his pedigree, Hardy didn’t disappoint, and Mad Max: Fury Road managed to ape defining elements of the 1979 hit. Now, fans can’t wait to jump into the Wasteland setting for another adventure.
Tom Hardy and George Miller to Collaborate for Mad Max: Fury Road Sequel
Considering the time it took to make Mad Max: Fury Road, not many were optimistic about another installment from George Miller.
However, in 2019, Miller spoke to Deadline and underlined his intentions by stating, “I’m not done with the Mad Max story.” Nearly half a decade later, the much-anticipated return to the dystopian world is confirmed.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will be the next entry in the franchise. The action adventure, which is scheduled to release in May of 2024, is a prequel centering around the young Furiosa, who is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers.
The big question mark hangs over Tom Hardy‘s involvement. Miller revealed (via ScreenRant) that the prequel takes place 15 years before the events of Mad Max: Fury Road but he did suggest there’s a possibility of Max featuring in Furiosa’s origin story.
Further, as per GQ, Hardy signed on for three sequels before the release of Fury Road, as such his future involvement in the franchise is a matter of when and not if.
It’s understood a story centering on Hardy’s titular Max has also been in the works for several years, and its working title is Mad Max: The Wasteland.
Latest Update on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: Cast List and Other Details
Charlize Theron will not be returning as Imperator Furiosa, with Anya Taylor-Joy portraying the young iteration of the rebellious warrior. After the Green Place of Many Mothers, Furiosa falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Chris Hemsworth will assume the role of Dementus.
Tom Burke has replaced Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for an unknown role after the Aquaman star dropped out of the project due to a scheduling conflict. Nathan Jones and Angus Sampson are reprising their roles as Rictus Erectus and the Organic Mechanic respectively.
Nicholas Hoult has confirmed he’s not returning as Nux. In his absence, Daniel Weber may prove to be the most intriguing War Boy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
As per Variety, film editor Margaret Sixel, costume designer Jenny Beavan and composer Junkie XL are all returning for the prequel. The fact Miller has retained the services of the majority of his behind-the-scenes collaborators is big news for fans who fell in love with the immersive setting and intense sequences of Fury Road.
The film earned 10 nominations at the Academy Awards, including best cinematography, visual effects, editing, and costume design.
