Fans of the 'Mad Max' franchise continue to await news about George Miller's next post-apocalyptic adventure, but recent revelations from Tom Hardy cast doubt on the likelihood of a return to the wasteland.
- Jun 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - The "Mad Max" series has been a staple of action cinema since it first hit theaters in 1979, launching with Mel Gibson as the iconic Max Rockatansky. Fast forward to 2015, and the franchise received a modern resurgence with "Mad Max: Fury Road," starring Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa. Enthusiasm for the series surged, but the future remains ambiguous.
Recent updates from Tom Hardy suggest that the long-rumored sequel, "Mad Max: The Wasteland," may not see the light of day. During an interview with Forbes, Hardy plainly stated, "I don't think that's happening," echoing a growing sentiment among fans who have waited nearly a decade for news.
George Miller, the mastermind behind the series, has never been short on ambition or ideas. Following the release of "Mad Max: Fury Road," Miller expressed a desire to create more films within the universe. He confirmed that detailed backstories for both Max and Furiosa had already been outlined, providing depth to their characters well before "Fury Road" began production.
In the meantime, Miller released "Furiosa," a prequel that delves into the origins of Charlize Theron's character, with Anya Taylor-Joy stepping into the role. Despite its star power and critical acclaim, "Furiosa" had a rocky start at the box office, grossing $160 million globally against a budget of $168 million and a lackluster $32 million U.S. opening over Memorial Day weekend.
The mixed commercial performance of "Furiosa" raises questions about the franchise's viability. While the film received rave reviews and a 90% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, the lukewarm box office numbers might make Warner Bros. hesitant to greenlight further projects set in Miller's dystopian world.
Miller's lawsuit against Warner Bros. over unpaid earnings from "Fury Road" also caused significant delays. Though settled in 2019, it further compounded the uncertainty surrounding "Mad Max: The Wasteland." Adding to the complexity is Hardy's sporadic interest in reprising his role, compounded by his reportedly difficult relationship with Miller during "Fury Road."
As it stands, the future of "Mad Max: The Wasteland" is nebulous. Miller has hinted at multiple stories involving Max and Furiosa, but their realization seems distant. For now, fans of the franchise can only wait and hope that the enigmatic saga of Max Rockatansky will continue.
