Everything We Know about the Mad Max Prequel Furiosa

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be looking over all that we know about the fifth entry in the “Mad Max” film series, “Furiosa.” Beware, some spoilers abound!

From George Miller and His Team

By all accounts, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is in good hands – with it being directed and co-written by “Mad Max” franchise creator, George Miller. Along with co-creator Byron Kennedy, Miller began the post-apocalyptic series in 1979 with a then 21-year-old Mel Gibson in the titular role. Three installments followed: “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,” “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” - the latter releasing some thirty-plus years after its predecessor and sans Gibson. Furiosa re-teamed Miller with his “Fury Road” crew, including editor Margaret Sixel, production designer Colin Gibson, Sound Mixer Ben Osmo, and costume designer Jenny Beavan – all of whom won Oscar Awards for their work on the previous film. Additionally, Simon Duggan, who worked on 2016’s “Hacksaw Ridge,” serves as the film’s cinematographer.

It’s A Prequel

We’re not going to lie, the “Mad Max” timeline is a wee bit confusing. Within the many movies and other IP-related outputs, there have been plenty of contradictions and loose connections – to say the least. Essentially, each film takes place during a different juncture in the story’s post-apocalyptic world. As for “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” it will act as a prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road” and delve into the origins of that film’s standout character, Imperator Furiosa. Played by Charlize Theron in the previous installment, Furiosa handled logistics for Warlord Immortan Joe's Citadel. However, she rebels against him to rescue “The Five Wives.” The character was praised by critics and audiences alike. This was in part due to her being a fierce female action heroine who can mix it up just as well, or even better than, the men in the series!

The Story

As mentioned, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” stands as prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road” and centers on protagonist Furiosa. The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads, in part, “As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.” It also states that they will come across the Citadel presided over by extreme baddie, The Immortan Joe. It’s then that the 2 Warlords, Dementus and Joe, go to war - leaving Furiosa to “put together the means to find her way home.” The film is also heavily expected to answer questions around how the character lost her arm and gained the prosthetic that’s featured in “Fury Road.” Plus, if the trailer is any indication, this installment will feature its fair share of rip-roarin’ action extravagance!

The Cast

“Furiosa” boasts an impressive cast of acclaimed actors – many well versed in the action genre. Starting with Furiosa herself, this younger version will be portrayed by Emmy-winning actress, Anya Taylor-Joy. Fans will know Taylor-Joy from films like “The VVitch” and TV series like “The Queen's Gambit.” Of course, we can’t forget her voice turn as Princess Peach in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” But even with a varied filmography, Furiosa stands as Taylor-Joy’s most action-oriented role. Chris Hemsworth is no stranger to the genre, however, and he plays the villainous Warlord Dementus. Not only is Hemsworth stepping out of his usual MCU hero role, but based on the trailer, he’s also fairly unrecognizable. This is thanks to some truly stellar makeup design. Another new face to the franchise will be Tom Burke in an undisclosed role. Burke received acclaim for his work on the 2016 BBC miniseries, “War & Peace.” As for who is returning, viewers can look out for fan-favorites Nathan Jones as Rictus Erectus, and Angus Sampson as the Organic Mechanic!

Production

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” began filming back in June, 2022. The production had previously been delayed due to the COVID 19 pandemic and commenced when restrictions were lifted. According to an Instagram post from Anya Taylor-Joy, filming wrapped in October of 2022. The intensive production primarily took place in New South Wales, Australia with the two main towns used being Hay and Silverton.

Release

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is one of the most anticipated films on the 2024 movie release calendar. Originally slated for June 23, 2023, Warner Bros. delayed the release to May 24, 2024, to coincide with Memorial Day weekend in the United States. “Furiosa” will do battle at the box-office with other high-profile movies opening that weekend, including “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and “The Garfield Movie.” And while rumors have swirled that “Furiosa” may make its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in early May, no confirmations have been made at this time. Following an exclusive theatrical release, including IMAX showings, the film will eventually make its way to the Warner Bros. streaming service, Max, for home viewing.

Sequel

Miller and CO are also said to be working on a direct sequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” titled “Mad Max: The Wasteland.” Miller noted in an interview with Digital Spy that Furiosa is currently not featured in that film’s story. However, he says that with the project being a work in progress, the door is still open - meaning there is still the possibility that Furiosa finds a spot in the flick! In the meantime, moviegoers will just have to get their Furiosa fix when her starring film hits cinemas in 2024.

What details about “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” has your motor revving? Let's chat in the comments.