‘Mad Max’ Prequel Will Focus On Charlize Theron’s Furiosa But With New Lead Actress

A “Mad Max” prequel is in the works and it will focus on Charlize Theron’s character.

It’s already been half a decade since “Mad Max: Fury Road” hit the theaters. Director George Miller announced recently that a prequel is coming and fans will get to know more of Furiosa in the new installment.

It will be a standalone film focusing on the film’s heroine. Theron played the Imperator Furiosa in the previous film and many found her story very compelling. In fact, it was Furiosa who received massive attention from the viewers. Thus, the producters found the need to tell more of her story, specifically on how she became the cold-hearted warrior.

However, those who want to see Theron back in the driver’s seat might be disappointed because the prequel is moving forward without the Oscar-winning actress. According to Miller, the story will center on a young Furiosa, so they are searching for a young actress in her 20s to take over the role, The New York Times reported.

Miller added that the actress who will be cast as Furiosa will have big shoes to fill. There are even chances that the upcoming movie will be bigger than “Fury Road.”

“For the longest time, I thought we could just use CG de-aging on Charlize, but I don’t think we’re nearly there yet,” Miller said.

“Despite the valiant attempts on ‘The Irishman,’ I think there’s still an uncanny valley. Everyone is on the verge of solving it, particular Japanese video-game designers, but there’s still a pretty wide valley, I believe.”

According to producer Doug Mitchell, when they were casting Furiosa they were not solely focused on Theron playing the role from the start. There were actually a number of names they considered for the role including “Kill Bill” star Uma Thurman.

Apparently, they went for Theron who didn’t waste time in owning the character by going bald. In the original story, Furiosa has long hair and African mud art on her face. Also, her costume was different than what was shown in the movie. Theron described the original costume “Barbarella-y.”

“George was really incredible in just hearing me out,” Theron said.

“I called him and said, 'I don’t know how she’s getting by in the mechanics’ room with all this hair. I think we need to shave my head, and she needs to be a more androgynous, grounded character.”

“Fury Road” lead stars Theron and Tom Hardy also confessed that there was tension while they were filming. Theron reportedly wanted a more “experienced” partner in Hardy.