Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the relentless, stoic Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) breathed new life into George Miller’s post-apocalyptic saga, earning global acclaim. Yet, although the later prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga received strong critical praise, it faltered at the box office. Despite this setback, both Hardy and Miller remain hopeful—and cautiously optimistic—about returning for a third film centered on Max, tentatively titled Mad Max: The Wasteland. Here’s everything we know about the future of the franchise.
When Furiosa hit theaters in May 2024, critics celebrated it—but audiences stayed away. With global earnings of just $174 million against a similar production budget, the film underperformed. That financial disappointment cast doubt over the franchise’s future, with profits being a key driving factor for any new installment. Hardy himself expressed uncertainty, telling a publication, “I don’t think that’s happening,” when asked about The Wasteland moving forward. Still, Miller appears undeterred. In interviews, he confirmed that the script for The Wasteland is complete—and ready for production—but ultimately said, “It depends on whether Furiosa gets traction or not.”
Miller’s world-building for Mad Max has always been extensive. During the extended development of Fury Road, he crafted a novella detailing Max’s desert wanderings—a piece later adapted into the screenplay for Fury Road. The Wasteland builds directly on this foundation. Set a year before the events of Fury Road, the story returns to a Max who is older, wearier, but still fighting for survival in the post-apocalyptic desert. Miller envisions it as a “character-based story” with thrilling action woven throughout.
From the outset, it was clear that whoever played Max had to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders—and Hardy did not disappoint. But with Furiosa underwhelming at the box office, the question remains: will he don the iconic leather jacket again? Hardy, when pressed, was candid. “I don’t think that’s happening,” he said. He elaborated further, “There are lots of things that are discussed, but they haven’t happened.” Yet, moments later, his tone softened. In October 2024, speaking about another film, Hardy acknowledged Miller’s completed script for The Wasteland and said, “I’d love to do that … It depends on whether they’re making it.” Miller himself said, “But if for whatever reason the planets align, you can never tell,” keeping the door open.
Fury Road’s path to production was famously rocky, spanning nearly a decade. Far more than just creative differences, the film suffered budget battles, scheduling conflicts, and a wrenching lawsuit between Miller and Warner Bros over pay disputes—delaying sequels for years. Today, the primary hurdle is financial. Warner Bros needs secure proof that further investments will succeed, especially after Furiosa barely matched its budget. While Miller’s commitment remains unwavering—“We’ve got another script”—execution will demand the studio’s faith in a return on investment.
Although details are tightly under wraps, known story threads suggest a deep dive into Max’s evolution. Miller has indicated that the film will focus heavily on character. Like Furiosa, The Wasteland is expected to blend personality-driven storytelling with the series’ trademark high-octane sequences. Expect gorgeously crafted chase scenes, brutal combat, and striking visuals consistent with Miller’s practical-effects-driven style. The plot will reportedly follow Max during the period leading up to Fury Road, revealing how he became the man who charged headfirst into Immortan Joe’s war rig.
Furiosa demonstrated that audiences still crave Miller’s cinematic universe—but skeptics can’t ignore the profit-loss numbers. Studios today demand blockbuster returns, and film franchises feel the heat more than ever. That said, interest remains strong in the core creative team. With Miller at the helm and Hardy potentially returning, the franchise retains its backbone. For fans, it’s the authenticity of practical stunts, a dystopian visual style, and unforgettable characters that define Mad Max.
As of mid-2025, The Wasteland exists mostly in script form—greenlit by Miller but not yet fully backed by Warner Bros. Hardy’s involvement hinges on studio commitment—and his own willingness, fueled by this creative vision. “If the planets align,” Miller says, “you can never tell.” At 79, he’s still driven to return to his desert world. Hardy, now 46, is tied up with high-profile roles from Venom to the Peaky Blinders spinoff—but hasn’t closed the door on the Interceptor.
Mad Max: The Wasteland is a story waiting for its moment. The script exists. Miller’s passion is steady. Hardy hasn’t dismissed the role. Yet, the crucial element remains—will the studio take the final step? For now, fans can only hope that Furiosa’s legacy becomes the launching pad for Max’s return. If Warner Bros can be convinced, The Wasteland may be the long-awaited reunion of era-defining director, iconic lead, and a world that still resonates with primal intensity. Until then, the desert remains silent—waiting for the roar of V8 engines and the figure of Mad Max, ready for one last ride.