Key Takeaways:
– The latest addition to the Mad Max franchise, ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,' performed poorly in its first weekend in theatres.
– Charlize Theron's absence from the film may have played a role in the movie's poor performance, according to a studio insider.
– Director George Miller's decision to use de-aging technology was contemplated but ultimately dismissed.
– The film's poor box office performance raises questions about the future of the Mad Max franchise.
Not all who wander in the post-apocalyptic landscapes of the Mad Max universe survive, as shown by the weak opening weekend performance of ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.' Despite high anticipation, the film's meager $26 million box office returns hint at larger troubles for the Hollywood box office.
Notable Absence of Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron's dazzling performance in the 2015 ‘Mad Max: Fury Road' made her a fan favorite. Her absence in ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' seems to have contributed significantly to the film's struggle in its opening weekend. The studio insider suggested that Theron's magnetic presence might have provided the needed boost to the movie's performance. This belief somewhat raises the question: Can George Miller's Mad Max Franchise survive without Charlize Theron?
Change in Cast and Criticisms
In the recent installment, Director George Miller opted to present Anya Taylor-Joy as the younger version of Theron's character, Furiosa. This was a diversion from the formula that seemed to work remarkably well before, and it did not go unnoticed.
The change was met with criticism, particularly from a studio insider, highlighting that Theron's star power could have driven more audience to the theatres.
Ditching De-aging Technology
De-aging technology was considered by Miller as a possible means to cast Theron in the prequel. Despite its recent usage in films like The Irishman and Gemini Man, Miller found it less convincing. In an interview with Variety, he stated his fear that audiences would focus on Theron looking younger, an effect he felt might detract from the storyline.
Uncertain Future for the Mad Max Franchise
With the new film's underwhelming performance, questions have arisen about the future of the Mad Max franchise. The decision to cast a younger actress in place of fan-favorite Theron may have been a misstep, as it may have led to the film's poor box office outcome.
Taylor-Joy, mostly known for her role in Netflix's ‘The Queen's Gambit,' was picked due to her natural skills that align with the character's post-apocalyptic survival instincts. However, the gamble didn't seem to pay off, leading fans to speculate if the Mad Max universe will continue to thrive without its originally established characters.
As we wait in anticipation for the future of Mad Max, fans may still enjoy ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' in theatres, and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road' on Max streaming services.
