(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Released last summer, the "Mad Max" prequel "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" proved to be one of Warner Bros. Pictures' most disastrous financial losses in recent years. Despite strong critical reception, the film, which cost nearly $170 million to produce, grossed just over $170 million globally. After theatrical splits, Warner Bros. essentially incurred a loss. This dismal performance has led some fans to worry about the impact on the development of the main series' fifth installment, "Mad Max: The Wasteland."
The "Mad Max Bible" podcast, which specializes in "Mad Max" information, recently revealed in their latest video that "The Wasteland" has indeed undergone a change, shifting from its original film format to a television series. Shaun Grant, screenwriter of "Berlin Syndrome," has been hired to pen the script. Furthermore, "The Wasteland," like "Furiosa," is a prequel to "Mad Max: Fury Road."
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
George Miller, the director of the entire franchise, previously revealed that "The Wasteland" is set before "Fury Road," chronicling a year in Max's life. It will also address the identities and relationships of the shadowy figures that constantly flash through Max's mind in "Fury Road." The "Mad Max Bible" podcast further added that "The Wasteland" will depict Max working odd jobs to acquire parts and rebuild his new vehicle. However, this isn't a newly conceived story by Miller, nor is it the first time he's considered developing it as a series.
(Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures)
In fact, the story for "The Wasteland" originated in the 1980s, and even then, Miller intended it as a television series. However, its development saw numerous twists and turns: Miller at one point considered making it a video game, only for that plan to be cut short. He then wrote it as a novella, which he later adapted into a film script. Now, after coming full circle, it has reverted to its original series format. What remains constant is Miller's persistent desire to tell the story of Max working for parts to build a new vehicle. It's also worth noting that when Miller first planned it as a series, he sought a lesser-known actor to replace Mel Gibson. Whether he will once again seek a new actor to replace Tom Hardy as Max this time remains to be seen.