While acting appears to come naturally to some people, it often takes a lot of trial and error before actors find the sweet spot for certain characters. For Chris Hemsworth, finding the right approach for his Furiosa villain has been challenging. George Miller’s Mad Max franchise is one of Hollywood’s most beloved science-fiction properties, so the pressure to deliver a flawless silver-screen spectacle is off the charts. Thankfully, Hemsworth eventually found his inspiration, but not before fretting over letting people down.
Speaking with the hosts of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hemsworth said, “Often I get a script and I know from the first read, the second read, I know who the character is and I get an instant, sort of, visceral feeling attached to it, like, ‘Alright, I’ve got it.'” However, discovering the right tone and delivery for Furiosa was intense. “This I had read two years before I started shooting and was in awe of the script. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve read. I love George Miller — but I didn’t know who this character was,” Hemsworth added.
With Father Time breathing down his neck before the cameras roll, Hemsworth discovered the character during rehearsals. “We did about four weeks of rehearsals, and we started digging in and diving into it, and things started coming to me. And then, about two weeks prior to shooting, something clicked,” a relieved Hemsworth explained. “I went, ‘Ooh! Ooh. I think that’s who it is. I think that’s how he moves.’ But, in the buildup, and I’m talking a couple years, I was scared out of my mind. I’m like, ‘I’m gonna derail one of the most iconic franchises.’ I’m gonna bring down Mad Max. It’s gonna be my fault.”
Don’t let your Emo Teen Life Coach get the better of you, Chris! We all experience moments of doubt and have faith in the character being interesting, intimidating, and fun to watch. The pressure to deliver a top-tier performance must be overwhelming, but we’re all rooting for you.
Here is the official plot for Furiosa: “As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by the Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.” It will take place over 15 years.
Do you have confidence in Chris Hemsworth’s ability to play a great villain for Miller’s Mad Max franchise? What about Anya Taylor-Joy? Is she the right choice for a young Furiosa? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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