Australia scores a big movie production just days after Green Lantern packed up its gear and headed to New Orleans.
The Daily Telegraph reports that production will begin in Sydney and New South Wales on Mad Max: Fury Road, with director George Miller at the helm. Miller directed three previous installments — Mad Max, The Road Warrior, and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
The production is a huge boost for Australia's movie industry with Premier Nathan Rees proclaiming that Mad Max 4 shooting in Australia "is a clear vote of confidence in Australian expertise" and "proves that Sydney is an international contender for major film production." All three of the Mad Max movies have been produced in Australia.
No actor has been named for the iconic role of Max, made famous by Mel Gibson, who will not return. Rumors persist that Sam Worthington will play the role, though E!Online UK reports that Bronson's Tom Hardy is in talks for role, with Miller wanting Charlize Theron for the female lead. Hurt Locker's Jeremy Renner has screen tested for role, saying he's "fighting" for the part.
Work has already begun on Fury Road, as Miller showcased some of the cars he's been putting together on ABC News in Australia.