NewsBite

Chris Hemsworth to star in Mad Max prequel Furiosa with Anya Taylor-Joy

Chris Hemsworth is moving from one ludicrously big action franchise to another, announcing he will soon star in the prequel of an Aussie classic that launched Mel Gibson’s career.

Chris Hemsworth Helps Return Tasmanian Devils to Australian Mainland After 3,000-Year Absence

Chris Hemsworth will follow in the dusty footsteps of fellow famous Aussie Mel Gibson with his new role in the upcoming Mad Max prequel.

The film, tentatively titled Furiosa, will delve into the backstory of the intriguing femme fatale played by Charlize Theron in the latest iteration of the franchise, 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road and will be directed by George Miller.

Chris Hemsworth.
Chris Hemsworth.
Mel Gibson on the set of Mad Max.
Mel Gibson on the set of Mad Max.

Hemsworth was brimming with excitement when he announced the news on Wednesday, confessing that the original films beginning in 1979, propelling Gibson into stardom, sparked his desire to act.

“Pretty damn fired up to be a part of a franchise that meant the world to me as a kid growing up in Australia,” he wrote on Instagram to his 44 million followers.

Hemsworth is used to getting dirty in films, such as here in Extraction.
Hemsworth is used to getting dirty in films, such as here in Extraction.

“Mad Max was the pinnacle and a huge reason why I got into the business of telling stories. “The fact that I’ll have the honor (sic) of not only being directed by its original visionary in George Miller but also take part in Furiosa’s origin story is incredibly exciting.”

Hemsworth will star in a yet to be announced role alongside US actor Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa, and Watchmen star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Mel Gibson on the set of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie.
Mel Gibson on the set of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie.

At the time of its release in 1979, Mad Max held the record for the most profitable film ever made, grossing more than US$100 million off a budget of $350,000.

Its 2015 sequel starring Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron proved reviving the series was not a mistake, grossing $375 million worldwide and winning six Academy Awards from 10 nominations.

Originally published as Chris Hemsworth to star in Mad Max prequel Furiosa with Anya Taylor-Joy

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/chris-hemsworth-to-star-in-mad-max-prequel-the-franchise-that-launched-mel-gibsons-career/news-story/42a932166a5ffde6ddf4e3443e5f939e