For more than four decades, the Mad Max franchise has been closely associated with Warner Bros. However, a new report suggests that relationship may have come to an end.
According to multiple outlets citing reporting from Puck, director George Miller has been meeting with studios in Los Angeles to pitch what would likely be the 81-year-old filmmaker’s final Mad Max project. The interested parties reportedly include Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, and Universal Pictures.
Mel Gibson in Mad Max: The Road Warrior – Warner Bros. Entertainment, YouTube
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Notably absent from those discussions is Warner Bros., the company that distributed all five previous Mad Max films.
Warner Bros. Reportedly Passed on Miller’s Pitch
The report claims Miller’s proposal includes one final Mad Max film—which he would direct—as well as a television series. Warner Bros. reportedly declined to move forward with either project despite the studio’s long history with the property.
While neither Miller nor Warner Bros. has publicly commented on the report, the decision would not be entirely surprising.
2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road won six Academy Awards and received four additional nominations, including Best Picture. However, the film also led to a prolonged legal dispute two years later. Miller’s contract stipulated that his production company would receive a bonus if Fury Road’s final net cost came in under budget. Warner Bros., however, argued that the film exceeded its budget.
Scene from Mad Max: Fury Road – Warner Bros., YouTube
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While new Warner Bros. leadership reportedly settled with Miller out of court, the dispute delayed the next Mad Max project.
The franchise’s most recent installment, 2024’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, received strong reviews from critics but struggled commercially. Some reports suggest the film cost Warner Bros. roughly $120 million, making it one of the year’s biggest box office disappointments.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024), Warner Bros. Pictures
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In light of that, any reluctance on Warner Bros.’ part to finance another Mad Max film would be understandable. However, George Miller has made it clear that he still believes there are more stories to tell.
Could ‘The Wasteland’ Finally Happen?
Longtime fans have speculated that Miller’s next project could be Mad Max: The Wasteland. The screenplay was reportedly developed alongside Mad Max: Fury Road and would explore events leading directly into the 2015 film. Miller has repeatedly referenced the project in interviews. According to World of Reel, reports dating back to 2017 indicated that Miller had already begun pre-production on the film before his falling out with Warner Bros.
George Miller in 2024 – Vanity Fair, YouTube
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Nothing is currently known about the proposed television series. However, some outlets have noted that Furiosa expanded the post-apocalyptic world and introduced several new characters who could potentially serve as the focus of a spinoff. An episodic format could also allow the franchise to explore parts of the Wasteland in greater depth than a feature film permits.
George Miller May Be Ready to Move On
Perhaps the most surprising element of the report is the suggestion that Miller wants to sell the Mad Max intellectual property after completing his final film. While he has served as the franchise’s sole creative force since its inception in 1979, the move would suggest that he believes Max Rockatansky’s story world should continue after he’s gone.
For now, no studio has officially secured the package. Still, Warner Bros.’ apparent decision to pass suggests the company may be ready to leave the Wasteland behind, even if George Miller is not.
Why do you think Warner Bros. passed on more Mad Max? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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