Every recent bit of news regarding Mad Max: Fury Road has
been fantastic. Despite concerns that the next Mad Max installment would be
retrofitted with 3D, we later discovered the film would actually be filmed
using advanced 3D tech. Additionally, despite earlier concerns about casting,
we’ve seen Miller actually put together a decent group of talent.
Unfortunately, the news today is less fantastic – production
on Mad Max: Fury Road has stalled.
At the L.A. Inception premiere, Tom Hardy (the star of Fury
Road) told MTV the production has hit a temporary red light.
While the news is disconcerting, it may give Hardy a little
more time to get in peak physical form for the role. It’s not like the man is
out of shape, but Mad Max will call for a different kind of hero – a man
physically affected by an apocalypse, but strong enough to defend himself at
any cost.
Hardy’s reveal of the production delay comes without any
explanation, though the recent Gibson controversy can’t help – but it doesn’t
seem to be anything major. Basically, no Hobbit-like issues.
“[We’ve] stopped. They pushed it back a little bit so I’m
not up against it at the moment, so I’ve lost some weight, that’s it.”
Normally, I scoff at any attempt to continue a franchise
with a replacement leading actor, but Hardy has proven himself worthy of any
role Hollywood offers up. Are you listening Bond casting directors?
Hardy’s dedication to beefing up for his unbelievable
performance in Bronson proves he has what it takes to transform for a role. He
is one of the best chameleons in film today and could someday challenge
Christian Bale in the weight-shifting actor category.
Hardy’s focus and determination to create a character,
instead of human scenery, is what will elevate Mad Max: Fury Road. The actor
and his director, George Miller, have been working on a way to establish a
human story within the action-filled movie. Then again, shooting in 3D doesn’t
suggest high drama.
Somehow, even in the midst of this disappointing news, Hardy
managed to stay positive and build anticipation for Fury Road. In response to a
query about his co-star Charlize Theron, Hardy gushed about her “incredible”
nature.
If there is one movie franchise I wish took the “James Bond
route” and churned out dozens of sequels, Mad Max would be it. The character is
rich and exciting. His motivation is one that could generate drama over the
course of multiple films – and the apocalyptic world George Miller created is
one I’d like to explore again and again.
George Miller’s involvement is a great place for the fourth
installment to start, but if they want a successful continuation of the
franchise, Tom Hardy will definitely have to bring his limitless charisma and
star quality to the film.
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