Since it first hit the screens in 1979, the Mad Max series has continued to captivate audiences. Co-created and directed by George Miller, the initial film is renowned for its incredible success, propelling actor Mel Gibson to stardom with his performance as the protagonist, Max Rockatansky. How many films make up this iconic post-apocalyptic action franchise by Miller and Byron Kennedy?
Gibson returned as Max in the initial sequels of Mad Max, but was eventually replaced by Tom Hardy for the 2015 follow-up, Mad Max: Fury Road. The trend of recasting continued with Anya Taylor-Joy taking over the role of the titular protagonist in the prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, replacing Charlize Theron.
How many Mad Max movies are there?
There are currently five movies in the Mad Max franchise. In release order, they are:
Mad Max (1979)
Mad Max 2 / The Road Warrior (1981)
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) features a loose continuity with the previous pentalogy of Mad Max outings. The first three installments play out in sequential order across a span of roughly 15 years.
Things become more intricate when reaching Mad Max: Fury Road. This fourth installment of the series serves as a soft reboot and does not align with the original Mad Max and its direct follow-ups.
Furthermore, Fury Road establishes its own distinct canon, which will be expanded upon by Miller in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. This prequel takes place 15 years prior to the events of Fury Road – a timeframe that the Furiosa trailer specifies as 45 years before the collapse of society.
Are there any more Mad Max movies planned?
Yes, at least two more Mad Max movies are currently in development.
In July 2019, George Miller announced that there would be two sequels to Mad Max: Fury Road, both starring Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky. The first sequel was initially reported as "Mad Max: The Wasteland," but Miller has since suggested that the title could be subject to change. According to Miller, "That name came out, that was just a working title."
The title of Mad Max: The Wasteland may be uncertain, but the Australian filmmaker has confirmed that the script for the film is complete. Additionally, the script for the as-yet-untitled seventh Mad Max blockbuster is also finished, indicating Miller's enthusiasm for both projects. For the most recent Mad Max news and updates, visit Dexerto's complete coverage here.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to hear about the upcoming Mad Max movies. The franchise has always held a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see what George Miller has in store for us. The post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max is both fascinating and terrifying, and I am eager to explore it further. I am also excited to see how the new films will expand upon the lore of the series and introduce new characters and storylines.
I am particularly intrigued by the prequel, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Charlize Theron's portrayal of Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road was one of the highlights of the film, and I am eager to learn more about her backstory. I am also curious to see how the film will connect to the original Mad Max trilogy and how it will fit into the overall timeline of the series. Overall, I am very excited about the future of the Mad Max franchise and can't wait to see what George Miller has in store for us.