The path to MAD MAX: FURY ROAD was tougher than a pack of WarBoys desperate to get into Valhalla. Constant weather issues, on-set disputes between Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, and an ever increasing budget resulted in multiple delays. It was a minor miracle the film finally released on May 15, 2015. While not a bona fide commercial success, it was a hit with critics and one of the best reviewed films of 2015. Director George Miller's post apocalyptic action fest ended up being nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning six including best editing and costume design.
Talk of a follow-up film began almost immediately upon its release, with director George Miller stating the script for MAD MAX: THE WASTELAND was locked and ready to go. Tom Hardy (who took over for Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky) signed a four picture deal to play the titular Mad One. However, due to some disputes between Warner Bros and George Miller, progress on the project has stalled in recent years. However, if this newest report is to be believed, movement on THE WASTELAND has gone from stalled to NOS injected full-throttle ahead.
The following report should probably be taken with a dose of salt the size of Bullet Town, but Geeks Worldwide is reporting that the cold war between George Miller and Warner Bros has thawed and the studio has officially given the green light to a fifth MAD MAX film. According to the report, filming could begin as early as late Fall. However, it is important to note that neither Miller, Hardy, or Theron are currently attached to the sequel. All three principals have extremely busy schedules right now. Charlize Theron is producing and starring in the action film THE OLD GUARD while Tom Hardy is currently filming VENOM 2 and is set to play war photographer Don McCullin in a biopic based on McCullin's autobiography. George Miller meanwhile is set to start filming THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton next month.
I have to say I desperately want this news to be true. George Miller turns seventy-five in March and while plenty of directors have helmed films into their late 80s, as each year passes it's less and less likely that we get to see a true MAD MAX sequel. I've been looking forward to a fifth MAD MAX film since the credits rolled on FURY ROAD. Tom Hardy has proven a worthy successor to Mel Gibson and Charlize Theron's Furiosa is one of the most badass characters in movie history. Here's hoping MAD MAX: THE WASTELAND arrives sooner rather than later.
So what are your thoughts? Do you think this report is legit? Did you love MAD MAX: FURY ROAD? How keen are you on a sequel? Let us know in the comments below!