Mad Max 4: Fury Road

[JackFetch]

The fourth installment in George Miller's "Mad Max" franchise, "Fury Road," is set to go into production in Sydney and outback New South Wales next year, according to local reports Saturday.

Miller, who also will produce the film through his production shingle Kennedy Miller, is quoted as saying that " 'Fury Road' will put NSW back on the map as a filmmaking destination.

"Hollywood has cut its production in half. Big movies like 'Fury Road' and 'Happy' Feet are rare and competitively sought after in all the filmmaking regions of the world," Miller told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"The production agreements have been a long time in the making and (NSW) Premier Rees and his team have worked like Trojans to ensure this substantial investment comes into this country. Not only does it help fuel the local economy but it means many talented people get a chance to practice their craft and lift their skills."

News that "Fury Road" has been given the greenlight comes just 10 days after Warner Bros. announced was pulling production of "Green Lantern" out of Australia.

No studio backing for "Fury Road" was announced for the film which reportedly has a $100 million budget.

"The 'Mad Max' films are iconic," Rees said. "In the hands of director George Miller, we will see one of the largest and most ambitious live-action films ever made in Australia. This is a clear vote of confidence in Australian expertise. This proves that Sydney is an international contender for major film production."

Kennedy Miller is also in production on "Happy Feet 2" in its digital production joint venture with Omnilab Media, Dr D.

"Its been 30 years since the post-apocalyptic thriller "Mad Max" was released, propelling Mel Gibson to stardom.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i18f9fdff77fbe360c4f69e23c51a12b1

Also, before anyone asks if Mel is coming back:

Charlize Theron is ready to go beyond Thunderdome. Mel Gibson, not so much.

Multiple sources tell E! News that the Oscar-winning babe is director George Miller's pick to play the lead female role in the upcoming, Mel-less Mad Max 4.

When he announced that he would begin work on the sequel back in 2007, Miller admitted Gibson was too old for the antihero role of "Mad" Max Rockatansky, and said, "I don't think he would be interested in being involved at all."

Instead, Miller is looking at little-known Brit Tom Hardy, whose credits include Black Hawk Down and Band of Brothers, to play opposite Theron.

However, the Mad Max revamp is a long way from fruition, and Miller is being very secretive about the roles and plot. Actors auditioning for the film have only been given a letter for their character's name. The studio has yet to sign off on Miller's choices, and no formal offers have been made.

A leather-clad Charlize kicking butt in the Outback? You'd think that's a no-brainer.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b150027_charlize_theron_mad_maxine.html

[slothian]

A leather-clad Charlize kicking butt in the Outback? You'd think that's a no-brainer.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b150027_charlize_theron_mad_maxine.html

Actually that holds no appeal whatsoever, E! news. A no-brainer is to leave out the titular character of the film, in the sense of brainpower not being engaged in that decision, such as a Rocky film without Stallone being involved for example. I don't have any interest in the franchise as it happens, but I don't understand the thought process.