Key Takeaways:
– In Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, the highest-rated of the Mad Max franchise films, a notably dangerous stunt was performed that co-starred Mel Gibson.
– The scene involving a tanker crash was shot for real, potentially rivaling the infamous ankle-breaking stunt pulled off by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Fallout.
– Preparation for the daring scene included a 12-hour pre-shoot fasting period for the stuntman, due to risk of a potentially deadly accident and resulting surgery.
– The overall danger of the stunt didn’t deter the stuntman, Guy Norris, who continued to work with the Mad Max franchise creator, George Miller.
Bravery of Stunt Execution in ‘Mad Max: The Road Warrior’
The vast acclaim of the Mad Max franchise is due to various virtues, not least of which is the breathtaking stunt sequences. In Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, thanks to a genuinely thrilling and dangerous stunt, audiences experienced realistic and gripping action, a scene that could only be rivaled by Tom Cruise’s infamous ankle-breaking stunt in the movie, Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
The Stunt that Rivalled Tom Cruise’s Ankle-Breaking Scene
Starring Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior is recognized for its final chase scene, involving a high-risk tanker crash. This brutal and memorable scene was performed by stuntman Guy Norris, assigned to the thrilling task of steering the buggy into a head-on collision with the tanker driven by Gibson’s character.
The intense scene preparation demanded Norris abstain from eating for at least 12 hours prior to filming. The reason for this unusual requirement was the anticipation by the production team of a possible fatal disaster. Such an event would have called for an immediate emergency operation in the event of serious internal injuries occurring during the risky crash stunt.
The High Stakes and Outcome of the Stunt
Despite stringent precautions taken by the team, including George Miller – the creator of the Mad Max saga – a minor disaster ensued. Guy Norris broke his femur during the stunt when his left leg came in contact with the vehicle. The accident created a true-to-life depiction of danger, adding an unintentional layer of authenticity to the stunt scene that rivaled even Tom Cruise’s infamous building-jumping blunder.
George Miller’s Resourceful Intervention
Fortunately, Miller’s professional skills weren’t limited to filmmaking; he also happened to be a qualified doctor prior to his film career launch. This interesting fact came to light as Miller personally attended to Norris’ injury on the spot before referring him to the hospital.
Continuing Partnership despite High Risks
Ironically, this harrowing incident didn’t deter the brave stuntman from continuing to work with the franchise. On the contrary, Norris continued his collaborations with Miller and even worked as a stunt coordinator on the recently released ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. This echoes the courage and tenacity found in actors like Tom Cruise, who, despite severe injuries, remain passionately devoted to the thrill of stunt work.
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior has firmly stamped its mark on the world of cinematic action due to daring stunts and stunning action sequences. It’s this ongoing commitment towards genuine and risky action scenes that helps keep the franchise alive in the hearts of action movie lovers around the globe.
