It’s been nearly six years since “Mad Max: Fury Road” actually hit theaters. That film, though acclaimed and Oscar-winning since its release, was the subject of extensive delays and false starts during its development. So, it’s not all that surprising the next film in the franchise, ‘Furiosa,’ has had its fair share of delays, as director George Miller dealt with legal issues and difficulties with the studio. But if the “Mad Max” franchise has proven anything, it’s that Miller is one persistent artist, as ‘Furiosa’ is on the eve of filming.
According to a new press conference (via the Sydney Morning Herald), George Miller and the Australian government announced plans to begin filming ‘Furiosa’ in June of this year, as the film is scheduled to be released in 2023. Not much is known about the exact details of the film, other than it will star Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role (taking over for Charlize Theron) and will be a prequel to ‘Fury Road.’ But speaking about the film, Miller does explain one of the biggest differences between ‘Furiosa’ and the previous entry in the franchise.
“Whereas ‘Fury Road’ essentially happened over three days and two nights, this happens over many years,” he said. ”You try to make films that are ‘uniquely familiar.’ This will be familiar to those people who know ‘Mad Max,’ and in particular ‘Fury Road,’ but also it will be unique.”
Of course, considering how well “Mad Max: Fury Road” did in theaters, with its incredible action, it’s not a shock that Miller isn’t considering a streaming release for ‘Furiosa’ and said “this is a story that I can’t wait to see in a cinema.”
And though the film is titled “Furiosa” and stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role, the feature is also going to bring Marvel Studios veteran Chris Hemsworth to the world of “Mad Max.” This is a development that is incredibly meaningful for the actor, as he explains the significance of the franchise on someone who grew up in Australia.
“It is a huge honor. A lot of pressure, but exciting pressure that is certainly motivating,” said Hemsworth. “It really is, out of everything I’ve done, the biggest ‘pinch-myself’ moment, because I’ve grown up watching [‘Mad Max’] and it’s so iconic.”
‘Furiosa’ is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 23, 2023.