Cast This: Mad Max

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by: Paul Tassi Oct. 29, 2009

News from MAD MAX 4 is heating up, and with casting already underway (Charlize Theron is said to be up for the female lead), I thought we should jump on the film before anything official gets announced. BEYOND THUNDERDOME was nearly 25 years ago, and as amazing as it is that we're getting a sequel that isn’t a remake, this project looks like it’s actually going to happen.

The first three films cemented Mel Gibson as the action star he is (or was, at least for a while). Nevermind all the recent pro-Jesus-torture, anti-Jews stuff that’s happened recently, back in the day Mel kicked a whole lot of ass as the leather clad road warrior known as MAD MAX.

There is some question about just what a new version of MAD MAX will be dealing with. I think it's safe to assume that Mel is NOT reprising his role as he’s too busy running around with a beaver puppet on his hand, so the way I see it either A) The film is a sequel that despite being filmed 25 years later, will still feature a relatively young Max, B) The film is a prequel that features a young Max before his adventures of the first three films or C) He’s some sort of young descendent of the original Max. In any case, I don’t really think any of those scenarios will affect who we can cast in the part.

I think if done right, this could be a real star-making project for an actor who may has only been in supporting roles before. I’m not naming names, but they’ve got to be tough, gritty and have a bit of swagger about them. I can think of a lot of young actors chomping at the bit for a part like this, but in the end only one of them’s going to get it. Which one should it be?

Last Week: THE CROW

A week ago we tried to establish who might wear the white makeup of The Crow in the new “revamp” of the film. Not surprisingly “Don’t make this movie” was the overwhelming winner of the discussion, but aside from those votes, we did come to a consensus.

1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (12%) 2. Jared Leto (11%) 3. Luke Goss (9%)

I can easily see JGL in this role, as he’s got the look and has been proven to be able to kick a moderate amount of ass the INCEPTION trailer, but I’m not sure if career-wise he’d actually take the part at this point. Now Jared Leto on the other hand? I think he’d be all over this in a heartbeat, for better or for worse. Where the hell has he been? The last time I remember seeing him, he was batting his eyelashes at Colin Farrell in ALEXANDER.

I’m not sure where the Luke Goss contingent came from, as it seems a bit of an out there pick to me, but the man is used to heavy makeup and is a pretty damn fine martial artist, as proven by his roles in BLADE and HELLBOY. The Crow could be his chance to play the hero rather than the villain for once.

Alright, and we’re off. Shout out your MAD MAX picks below.

Source: JoBlo

Extra Tidbit: I was *this close* to being Mad Max for Halloween this year. My replacement costume? A Japanese seventh grader from BATTLE ROYALE. Pictures forthcoming...

36 discussions Expand all
 
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track100
5:25PM on 11/01/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
If not Mel :(
Robert Downey, Jr.
Robert Downey, Jr.
 
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OsLord
10:38AM on 10/30/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Sam Worthington. I read today that the sequel would take place shortly after the events of Thunderdome, so Worthington would be the perfect age. He has a similar build to young gibson as well. Still rather have Mel back tho!
Sam Worthington. I read today that the sequel would take place shortly after the events of Thunderdome, so Worthington would be the perfect age. He has a similar build to young gibson as well. Still rather have Mel back tho!
 
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Cartza
12:06AM on 10/30/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Sam Worthington
Eric Bana
Tom Jane
Sean Bean
Sam Worthington
Eric Bana
Tom Jane
Sean Bean
 
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Tara101
11:55PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Luke Goss
Luke of Course
Luke of Course
 
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writer19
11:53PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
TOM FUCKING HARDY
TOM FUCKING HARDY
 
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JohnnyVengeance
9:13PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tom Hardy. Hands down.
Tom Hardy. Hands down.
 
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Thunderdome
8:57PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't care if I sound like a dork but the day they officially announce someone else is playing Max besides Mel it will break my heart. Mel Gibson is Mad Max. It doesn't matter if they can't get him back, he'll always be Max. Six years ago he was signed on and ready to go and then the project got put on hold. I just wish he would do it. If it's truly a sequel then an older Max is what I w...
I don't care if I sound like a dork but the day they officially announce someone else is playing Max besides Mel it will break my heart. Mel Gibson is Mad Max. It doesn't matter if they can't get him back, he'll always be Max. Six years ago he was signed on and ready to go and then the project got put on hold. I just wish he would do it. If it's truly a sequel then an older Max is what I want to see. I always wondered what happened to him after he walked off into that beautiful post-apocalyptic sunset at the end of Thunderdome.
 
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cerealkiller182
7:56PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tom Hardy all the way
Tom Hardy all the way
 
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Bazzaa
7:03PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Bronson for Mad Max
Eric Bana would be cool, but I would say Tom Hardy (Bronson) to play Max
Eric Bana would be cool, but I would say Tom Hardy (Bronson) to play Max
 
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ChinoMoreno7
5:59PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington
 
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bflah91989
5:54PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
While he hasn't had many roles, my vote goes to Jack Finsterer. He played Jack Scholt in the Australian war movie "Kokoda". He has the right build and look for Mad Max.
While he hasn't had many roles, my vote goes to Jack Finsterer. He played Jack Scholt in the Australian war movie "Kokoda". He has the right build and look for Mad Max.
 
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lalex81
5:50PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Eric Bana is the only decent choice I can think of.

In a very second place Russell Crowe
Eric Bana is the only decent choice I can think of.

In a very second place Russell Crowe
 
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Slicknick182341
5:36PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
MAX not CROW
i say JGL for this and NEVER EVER the crow!
i say JGL for this and NEVER EVER the crow!
 
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xander887
5:19PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mel Gibson.... thats the only person that should. especially if he has a crazy beard
Mel Gibson.... thats the only person that should. especially if he has a crazy beard
 
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Doctor Zubian
4:44PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
MEL GIBSON
...but if we really have to recast : Gerard Butler
...but if we really have to recast : Gerard Butler
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BIGE1312
11:39PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I like your pick.
This is...Thunder Dome!
I like your pick.
This is...Thunder Dome!
 
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ANTI
3:54PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
If they won't or can't bring back Mel then my choice is Charlie Hunnam. He's been in Green Street Hooligans and currently can be seen in Sons of Anarchy.
If they won't or can't bring back Mel then my choice is Charlie Hunnam. He's been in Green Street Hooligans and currently can be seen in Sons of Anarchy.
 
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stoneyzepplin
3:31PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm going to get booed for this....
Never seen the movies, but just based on looks,(and not acting skills) Im' thinking maybe Channing Tatum?

If not, I like the "Jason" from True Blood choice. That guy cracks me up.
Never seen the movies, but just based on looks,(and not acting skills) Im' thinking maybe Channing Tatum?

If not, I like the "Jason" from True Blood choice. That guy cracks me up.
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missphitts
4:16PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Seriously go rent all three right now. First two are up there with the all time greats!
Oh and NO on either of those, not for Max. You'd know that if you'd actually see the films...
Seriously go rent all three right now. First two are up there with the all time greats!
Oh and NO on either of those, not for Max. You'd know that if you'd actually see the films...
 
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miguel_montes
3:30PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
How about that guy who played the Comedian in "Watchmen"? Jeffrey Dean Morgan, is it?
How about that guy who played the Comedian in "Watchmen"? Jeffrey Dean Morgan, is it?
 
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anomaly7
3:17PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Thomas Jane or Eric Bana.
Thomas Jane or Eric Bana.
 
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Cigarette Burn
3:16PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
My thoughts:
Sometimes an actor and a character become so interwoven that you just can’t imagine anyone else in the role. Be it Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones, Bruce Willis and John McClane, or Ian McKellen and Gandalf – the actors who play them imbue the character with the personality and physicality that can only come from that specific actor.

That's how I feel about Mel Gibson and Max Roc...
Sometimes an actor and a character become so interwoven that you just can’t imagine anyone else in the role. Be it Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones, Bruce Willis and John McClane, or Ian McKellen and Gandalf – the actors who play them imbue the character with the personality and physicality that can only come from that specific actor.

That's how I feel about Mel Gibson and Max Rockatansky.

If you're going to tell more stories with the character we love, use the actor who will make us believe we’re actually seeing another chapter of this character’s life, instead of a shameless cash-in.

I personally think Mel's age is a good thing in terms of possible story ideas for the final chapter in the MAD MAX saga.

Basically what I’m getting at is that just because Mel Gibson may not want to take the part and they have the ability to cast another actor in the role… doesn’t mean they should.

My vote? Either get Mel Gibson back or change the name of the film to MAD BRIAN or some shit.
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HoyleHaw
4:17PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I concur
I concur
 
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Noct
3:14PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mel Gibson
I had something completely different written. Mel Gibson is Mad Max. I'm tired of budging here and there on Remakes and imaginings and sequels. No more.
I had something completely different written. Mel Gibson is Mad Max. I'm tired of budging here and there on Remakes and imaginings and sequels. No more.
 
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nickdoll
3:10PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Jeremy Renner or Mel
Don't know why they couldn't just keep Mel Gibson as an older action hero. Works for Die Hard and Indy Jones. When casting a new star, go with Renner. Hurt Locker kicked all kinds of ass, partially because of his killer performance.
Don't know why they couldn't just keep Mel Gibson as an older action hero. Works for Die Hard and Indy Jones. When casting a new star, go with Renner. Hurt Locker kicked all kinds of ass, partially because of his killer performance.
 
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moptopcharlie
3:09PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Worthington
I could see Worthington but it doesnt seem as inspired as Tom Hardy.
I could see Worthington but it doesnt seem as inspired as Tom Hardy.
 
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i love lamp
2:41PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
tyler perry
in tyler perry's mad max can do mad all by himself.
in tyler perry's mad max can do mad all by himself.
 
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BojacRedleif
2:38PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mel Gibson.
C'mon.
C'mon.
 
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BigCoffinHunter
2:22PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Gerard Butler or maybe that dude who plays Jason on True Blood (I'm too lazy to look it up).
Gerard Butler or maybe that dude who plays Jason on True Blood (I'm too lazy to look it up).
 
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john_rambo
2:11PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson
 
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Doktor Decker
2:05PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Tom Hardy by a landslide. Watch Bronson
Tom Hardy by a landslide. Watch Bronson
 
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D_Rex
2:03PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'll say Sam Worthington. The man seems to be developing into the next big action star, so why not?
I'll say Sam Worthington. The man seems to be developing into the next big action star, so why not?
 
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OrangeRush 2112
1:51PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
i say ben foster or sam worthington
i say ben foster or sam worthington
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The_Soloist
2:02PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Ben Foster would be too small and Sam Worthington would be a good choice for "Mad Max".
Ben Foster would be too small and Sam Worthington would be a good choice for "Mad Max".
 
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The_Soloist
1:45PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Jeremy Renner
Hands down Jeremy Renner. The guy would be a kick ass "Mad Max".
Hands down Jeremy Renner. The guy would be a kick ass "Mad Max".
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danielshell1981
1:47PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
He would be ok.
He would be ok.