Earlier today at Comic-Con, the latest chapter in the Mad Max series of movies was revealed. The movie is being called Mad Max: Fury Road, and will be directed by series creator George Miller. Also, as no surprise to me, it will be starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, with Tom Hardy taking over the leading role of Mad Max. Mel Gibson will be busy trying not to be nuts.
I can’t say I was expecting a new Max Mad movie to be released, but I’m not going to complain. Sure, Tina Turner’s legs probably won’t be in it, but that’s not going to keep me from enjoying another chapter in the post apocalyptic world where deaths are hilarious/glorious and disfigured people have a spot at the cool kids table. Especially if the trailer looks as good as this.
Fury Road takes place some time between the original Mad Max and The Road Warrior movies. I actually prefer that to a direct sequel or an actual reboot. But although it would have been nice, it looks as though Mel won’t even be making a cameo in it.
Don’t think for a moment I’m not disappointed that Mel Gibson isn’t going to be reprising his role. Despite him going batshit insane for a while, his face and mannerisms are synonymous with the “Mad Max” persona. Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give Tom Hardy a try. As one Facebook commenter put it, “REMEMBER IT WASNT MEL WHO MADE MAX IT WAS MAD MAX THAT MADE MEL.” I’m guessing he was excited when he wrote that, but I wholeheartedly agree.
If Tommy does a good job then that means we’ve got a successor that can put on a younger look and make with the action scenes. Plus, good ol’ Mel apparently already gave his blessing. See? He can be a perfectly reasonable guy.
Look for Mad Max: Fury Road to release in U.S. theaters on May 15th, 2015.
