Key Takeaways:
– Multiple factors have delayed the making of Mad Max: The Wasteland, including a lawsuit between director George Miller and Warner Bros.
– A complete script hasn’t been finalized for Mad Max: The Wasteland despite claims of a novella and screenplay already in existence.
– While Tom Hardy has expressed interest in returning as Max, there is potential that he might get replaced due to past on-set disputes.
– Despite Miller’s age, he is still eager to direct, but also has three other directors in mind if he cannot return.
– The sequel’s production is further threatened as Furiosa’s debuting weekend box-office performance was disappointing.
George Miller’s anticipated Mad Max: The Wasteland has left fans wondering about its future and whether the sequel will see the light of day. Postponements over the last nine years and a seemingly never-ending series of hurdles have surrounded the film’s uncertain fate.
The Aftermath of Mad Max: Fury Road
After the release of Mad Max: Fury Road in 2015, fans eagerly awaited the subsequent film, Mad Max: The Wasteland. George Miller, the franchise’s daring director, announced the existence of a further screenplay and a novella. However, nine years later, the Wasteland film is yet to roll, feeding the growing mystery around it.
Miller’s Lawsuit Against Warner Bros.
Part of the delay was Miller’s lawsuit against Warner Bros., accusing the studio’s executives of unpaid earnings from Fury Road and alleged underhand conduct. The lawsuit, filed in 2017, was settled in 2019, creating the possibility of further movies from the Mad Max franchise.
The Story So Far
The announced sequel’s storyline is somewhat ambiguous as Miller initially claimed to have finished the screenplay and novella, with Furiosa’s script being ‘virtually complete’. Despite these initial announcements, Miller recently revealed that the story for Mad Max: The Wasteland is not fully developed, confirming that it needs substantial reworking into screenplay form, thus adding to the drought of information concerning the film.
However, Miller did provide a hint towards what Wasteland might cover, hinting at the exposition of Max’s backstory. In comparison to rumors that floated about Furiosa and Max returning, Miller confirmed that Furiosa wouldn’t be involved in Wasteland.
Who Would Play Max?
Speculations about Tom Hardy’s return as Max are widespread. Although Hardy has expressed willingness to reprise his role, film delays might prompt a change given that his contract’s expiration date remains undisclosed. On-set disputes during Fury Road’s filming also indicate potential discord between Hardy and Miller.
Can George Miller Continue as Director?
If approved, Miller’s return as director for Wasteland might raise eyebrows given his age. However, Miller has shown enthusiasm, drawing parallels to the late Richard Donner, who planned an additional movie for the Lethal Weapon franchise despite his age. Miller has also godfathered potential successors, including Guillermo del Toro, should he be unable to return.
Furiosa’s Box-Office Performance – A Damper for the Franchise?
The recently released Furiosa recording a lukewarm opening weekend at the box office has cast fresh doubts over the continuation of the series. This setback has left fans and critics questioning if Warner Bros. would take this as a sign of declining audience interest, consequently shying away from approving The Wasteland.
As the wait continues, chances of Mad Max: The Wasteland ever making it to the big screen hang in balance. Fans, critics, and audiences can only hope that after the dust settles, George Miller will ride back into the Wasteland. Until then, the question looms — Will Mad Max: The Wasteland ever happen?
