It's been a long and dusty trip to 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' but the new sequel/spinoff starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron is finally here, making an official appearance at the Warner Bros. panel at Comic-Con 2014. Original franchise writer and director George Miller is back with an all-new, action-packed post-apocalyptic tale, and he's brought some footage with him.
Writer and director George Miller was on hand to debut some new footage from 'Mad Max: Fury Road' and discuss the upcoming film with an eager Hall H crowd. The film is described as a big chase movie, where we'll find the characters and story along the way.
Miller says that part of the reason why this new sequel/spinoff took so long was that he was waiting for someone like Tom Hardy to come along. He also adds that the dimensions of Charlize are a perfect match for the character of Furiosa. The casting was clearly key to making this film a reality.
Miller says, "This is my first Comic-Con." Panel host Chris Hardwick takes a picture of Miller in front of the waving audience of Hall H to commemorate the special occasion.
Speaking about the original franchise star, Hardwick wonders, "Who knew Mel Gibson would turn into Mad Max at one point?" Miller responds, "Well ... (laughs) ... Uh..."
Going back to the new film, Miller says that this isn't just our introduction to Fury Road -- it's the first time anyone in the 'Mad Max' world has seen Fury Road, too. There will not be much dialogue in the film. So think maybe like 'Drive,' but with more action, violence, and lots and lots of dust and dirt.
Miller says that the first 'Mad Max' film was the toughest movie he ever had to make. Clearly the effort paid off, and we can't wait to see 'Fury Road,' which feels like a real labor of passion.
We see some new footage from the film, which features lots of car chasing. Tom Hardy's Max is strapped to back of a car. There are massive tornadoes of sand and fire and tons of explosions. This footage is absolutely insane and exceedingly violent. There's a crash and Tom Hardy says, "My name is Max. My world is fire and blood." Amen to that, Max.
Miller says this film is closer in tone to 'Road Warrior,' and that the film's action takes place over a short period of time -- maybe a couple of days.
The score is provided by Dutch musician and producer Junkie XL.
Immortan Joe, the guy with the long hair and the mask in this movie, is played by Hugh Keays-Byrne, the same guy who played Toecutter in the original 'Mad Max.'
'Mad Max: Fury Road' hits theaters on May 15, 2015.

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