Last week, word began circulating that Charlize Theron would not be reprising her role as Imperator Furiosa for director George Miller's planned prequel to MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. In talking about the move to replace Theron as a younger version of the fan favorite character, Miller explained that, "For the longest time, I thought we could just use CG de-aging on Charlize, but I don’t think we’re nearly there yet. Despite the valiant attempts on THE IRISHMAN, I think there’s still an uncanny valley. Everyone is on the verge of solving it, particular Japanese video game designers, but there’s still a pretty wide valley, I believe." This being Miller's take on the matter, the search has begun for Theron's replacement. Speaking of which, while Anya Taylor-Joy was previously named as a contender, The Hollywood Reporter now says that KILLING EVE actress Jodie Comer is also being eyed for the role.
According to reports, a draft of the prequel was written before production for MAD MAX: FURY ROAD had been established. In fact, it would seem as if extensive backstories for several characters hailing from Fury Road were written at the time of the film's conception – Furiosa among them.
In addition to contributing to several feature films, Comer is perhaps most famously known for her role as Kate for the BBC series DOCTOR FOSTER, as well as the lethal Villanelle for the hit series KILLING EVE. While Comer has been making her Hollywood mark since starring in the 2011 TV mini-series JUSTICE, her role opposite Sandra Oh's Eve Polastri for KILLING EVE has made studio execs take note of her ability to command attention on screen. Could the Furiosa role be what catapults Comer to super stardom? Only time will tell, provided that she lands the role, of course.
What do you think of the possibility of Comer stepping into the role of a young Furiosa? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments section below.