Marvel star Chris Hemsworth will reportedly play the villain in the upcoming post-apocalypse sequel, Mad Max: Furiosa. Appearing on the podcast Blank Check with Griffin & David, The New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan, who also wrote the book "Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road," revealed that the Thor: Love and Thunder actor will play the antagonist in director George Miller’s prequel. Hemsworth’s character will also be given a name perfect for the warped world of Mad Max.
"They have Chris Hemsworth as the villain, who I heard was called Dr. Dementus."
These details line up with a previously leaked casting call, which named Chris Hemsworth’s Furiosa character “Dementus,” and described him as a man in his “30s-40s,” who is "breathtakingly handsome.” Possessing "an angel's face, scarred by a deep forehead wounded stitched together with shiny chrome staples,” the role of Dr.Dementus certainly sounds like it will give Hemsworth the opportunity to do some scene-stealing. Much like he did as the villainous Billy Lee in director Drew Goddard's Bad Times at the El Royale.
Mad Max: Furiosa will follow the titular rebel warrior, who was introduced to audiences in 2015's stellar action flick Mad Max: Fury Road, exploring the origin of the character long before she became the inspiring operator of Immortan Joe's War Rig and joined forces with Tom Hardy's Mad Max Rockatansky. George Miller is returning to co-write, direct and produce the project alongside his long-time Oscar-nominated producing partner Doug Mitchell.
Other details surrounding Furiosa are as scarce as guzzolene is in the desert landscapes of Mad Max, but Miller has revealed that the prequel will take place over many years. "I didn't set out to make a big, epic movie,” Miller said. “It's a story I wanted to tell. But as it turns out, it's just got a lot of different scenes. The one thing I can say about it is, Fury Road happened over three days and two nights, but this is a saga. It happens over many years. So there's a lot of different elements to it."
Anya Taylor-Joy Will Step into the Role of Furiosa for the Mad Max Spinoff
Last Night in Soho and The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy will take over the role of early-years Furiosa from Fury Road star Charlize Theron. "I was amazed by this incredible mind of George Miller. It's difficult to put into words. I feel so humbled and grateful,” the actress said regarding stepping into the role of Furiosa. “I think the first thing I thought was 'I am so excited to work so hard.' The level of commitment that has been shown by those who came before me, I endeavor to match that. That makes me really excited. I have so much respect for the originators of this crazy world and this collection of characters. I am excited to work really hard."
Chris Hemsworth is equally excited to join the franchise, with the actor calling Mad Max "the pinnacle and a huge reason why I got into the business of telling stories. The fact that I'll have the honor of not only being directed by its original visionary in George Miller but also take part in Furiosa's origin story is incredibly exciting. Huge respect to George, Mel, Charlize, Tom and all the cast and crew who helped build this epic world. I'll do my best to continue the tradition of cinematic badassery."
Production on Mad Max: Furiosa is expected to begin soon, with a release date scheduled for May 24, 2024.