Heartbroken Mad Max director George Miller is speaking out about not picking Mel Gibson for the new installment of the movie series. In a lengthy interview with AP, Miller said Gibson scandals played a big part in Tom Hardy landing the lead role.
The Mad Max movies turned Mel Gibson into a major Hollywood superstar. Unfortunately for early fans, Gibson will not reprise the role of Max Rockatansky as some expected over a decade ago.
The fourth installment of the franchise tilted Mad Max: Fury Road is set to be released in May 2015, with British actor Tom Hardy portraying Mad Max. Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron and Warm Bodies star Nicholas Hoult will also be part of the rebooted cast.
Mad Max: Fury Road will come some 30 years after the last movie from the acclaimed franchise, was put out. The new film has been in the making for close to 15 years, the project was initially announced in 2000. The war in Irak, budget woes and Mel Gibson scandals all contributed to delaying the production at some point in the last 15 years.
The Passion of the Christ actor was interested in reprising the lead role at the beginning, then he grew tired of the different setbacks and decided to move on. Warner Bros. that is producing the new installment probably thought that building a huge venture ($150 million in budget), around someone so controversial and unpredictable was probably not a safe option.
George Miller who is directing the new feature is heartbroken over the turn of events. Miller, 69, told The Associated Press:
“I have a great affection for Mel. I was really heartbroken to see him go into that. But it’s a new time. I hope Mel gets to act in more movies because I think he’s a wonderful actor. But I think he’s an amazingly good director.”
The filmmaker said that the film will involve lots of car chase and minimal dialogue. Miller introduced Mad Max: Fury Road at Comic-Con few weeks ago and fans have mixed reaction so far.
Some are deploring the non-casting of Gibson, others find that the “script” brings nothing new to the franchise. Few did say that it looks promising.
If Mad Max: Fury Road performs well, it could give birth to a sequel tentatively titled Mad Max: Furiosa.
