"Mad Max: Fury Road" Casting Update

Post by **King of Creation** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:53 am

[ Film & TV -> Review ]

A while back, we reported that Mad Max series director George Miller was after actor Tom Hardy to be the new Mad Max. Well, Tom Hardy isn't 100% convinced he's going to get the job <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/12/01/ex ... >according to MTV</a>:
<blockquote>
Hardy first wanted to set the record straight on his casting in the "Mad Max" movie. "George hasn't actually confirmed that," he revealed, quickly adding that "it's strongly coming in my direction. I would be preparing for that role." While it certainly sounds like a lock, both from the reports we've been getting and from the actor's own words, the guy can be forgiven for not wanting to spread around any wrong information.

That said, he's certainly educating himself on the role, and coming to terms with the fact that he could very well be stepping into the role of this iconic character in film history. "The Mad Max figure is a big figure, and I have to get my head around that," he said.

The challenge with a role like this is two-fold. Starring in an event blockbuster carries its own baggage of course, but Hardy also has to account for the series' rich history. The Mad Max character is so heavily identified with Gibson, there's always the danger of simply rehashing. It's encouraging to hear then that Hardy is aware of the possible pitfalls.

"I would have to pick up where Mel left off, but in all honesty, it would be ridiculous to pick up where Mel left off," the actor explained. "He is Mad Max. I have to bring something entirely different and new to the stage."

Hardy won't be alone of course, not with franchise creator Miller watching his back. "If I get offered it and George really wants to go with me, then George will tell me exactly what he wants to do and we'll work together on the floor to create what it is that he wants to achieve. And I hope I can get that done for him."

For now however, Hardy's flying blind. He's read the script, but that's about the extent of it. Even his screen test for the role offered no insight. "The audition process had nothing to do with Max and nothing to do with the story or the script. It was unorthodox to the point where actually I could have been auditioning for anything. It was an anonymous read. [Miller and I] haven't actually gotten into the conversation at all about Max."

Hardy has faith though. "If there's anybody who can create a Mad Max with me playing the character, it's going to be George — it's his baby."
</blockquote>
And for those who might not know of Tom Hardy, the article has a nice paragraph to describe his career:
<blockquote>
<a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/tag/tom-hardy">Tom Hardy</a> landing the starring role in "<a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/tag/mad-max-fury-road">Mad Max: Fury Road</a>" is an amazing turn of events for that franchise. You might remember him as Handsome Bob from "<a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/tag/rocknrolla">RocknRolla</a>." But if you really want to understand the awesome power of Hardy in the loner badass role once occupied by <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/tag/mel-gibson">Mel Gibson</a>, you have to check out the UK import "<a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/tag/bronson">Bronson</a>," in which Hardy portrays real-life sociopath Charlie Bronson, a man who's been bounced between more than 150 correctional facilities and mental institutions. He carries the challenging film with ease, crafting a vile character who you nonetheless want to root for.
</blockquote>
Read the whole article <a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/12/01/ex ... Spotted @ <a href="http://aint-it-cool-news.com/">Ain't It Cool News</a>

jetbaby · Post by **jetbaby** » Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:13 am

I don't really view Max as a "vile character who you nonetheless want to root for" so I don't see how his portrayal of Charlie Bronson will help. Has anyone actually seen his movies?

POOPERSCOOPER · Post by **POOPERSCOOPER** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 2:44 am

I know Mad_Max_RW saw it I think and said its okay. I would kind of lose interest in the movie if it didn't have mel gibson in it but I guess it might turn okay if it didn't get all fantasy like.

SenisterDenister · Post by **SenisterDenister** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:31 am

What they should do is have the plot revolve around Hardy as a different character looking for the legendary Road Warrior, Mad Max, who would be portrayed by Mel Gibson as the aged man he is, to show the progression of time in the universe. I think it'd be really interesting what they would make up and put in the intro for what happened in the years in between Thunderdome and my proposed idea.

ExtremeDrinker · Post by **ExtremeDrinker** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:51 am

senisterdenister wrote:What they should do is have the plot revolve around Hardy as a different character looking for the legendary Road Warrior, Mad Max, who would be portrayed by Mel Gibson as the aged man he is, to show the progression of time in the universe. I think it'd be really interesting what they would make up and put in the intro for what happened in the years in between Thunderdome and my proposed idea.

They should make an Indiana Jones movie like that, too.

jetbaby · Post by **jetbaby** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 9:26 am

What they WILL do is dress up a hot young actor in spandex and parade him around a wasteland filled with bright colors and lots of explosions and sexy, well oiled women for two hours.

Wolfman Walt · Post by **Wolfman Walt** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:59 am

jetbaby wrote:What they WILL do is dress up a hot young actor in spandex and parade him around a wasteland filled with bright colors and lots of explosions and sexy, well oiled women for two hours.

Amazing how cinema apperently is moving in the opposite direction of the now popular video game staple of super manly space marines dressed up in as much armor as humanly possible in wastelands filled with brown and brown and.....ok the rest is true. Both still last only two hours though.

Post by **Dogmeatlives** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:01 pm

I don't know. I think Miller will do a good job. I think Thunderdome was the result of him being relatively overwhelmed by the fame of the series and making a Hollywood clusterfuck.

I'm sure he's learned his lesson. and remember that this is the guy who made the original Max so Mad Max was his idea. Its also pretty reassuring that he wants to cast a relative unknown as Max. Mel was unknown at the time so its fitting. Mad Max has a very underground sort of spirit so it would be ideal to cast as many talented unknowns as possible. I think Miller understands that about the Mad Max fans, mainly because he is THE Mad Max fan.

PiP · Post by **PiP** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 1:57 pm

senisterdenister wrote:Mel Gibson as the aged man he is, to show the progression of time in the universe.

totally

VasikkA · Post by **VasikkA** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:50 pm

PiP wrote:

Would YOU say no to Mad Max?

Thought so.

Post by **Manoil** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:10 pm

Yeah-- I'd figure that pic to qualify him more for being an aged wastelander badass, not less