Tom Hardy is one of the most consistent performers in Hollywood. He always brings the intensity and authenticity required to pull off any role given to him. He has been in several acclaimed films including, Bronson, Inception, Warrior, Locke, and Dunkirk. 2015 proved to be an incredible year for Hardy as he starred in two widely different yet brilliant films The Revenant and Mad Max: Fury Road. The latter is considered to be one of the greatest action films ever made. Hardy had the herculean task of taking over the role of Max Rockatansky, previously played by actor Mel Gibson. Hence he approached Gibson to pay his respects and to talk to him regarding taking over the role.
Tom Hardy Made a Unique Impression on Mel Gibson
Tom Hardy was cast as Max Rockatansky in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road directed by George Miller. The role was previously played by Mel Gibson in the previous three films of the franchise which were wildly successful and iconic. Hence, he had a huge pressure of living up to the legacy of the franchise and the character. He talked about meeting Gibson to pay his respects and talk about the role to GQ, saying,
“I met Mel. I needed to meet Mel purely from a young man’s perspective. I want to touch base with the previous Max and just say hello. And is it okay? Because I’m taking on Max, I have to meet Max. It’s awkward. “You’re Mad Max. I’m Tommy Hardy, and I’m playing him.”
Hardy tried to make a positive impression on his meeting with Gibson by gifting him a bracelet. He further talked about Gibson’s response in the same interview with GQ saying,
“He was bored with me. He said, “All right, buddy, good luck with that.” Bless him. I made him a bracelet. And then we talked for a couple of hours about all kinds of stuff. I left, and that was that. And then he called up my agent and said, “I think you found someone that’s crazier than I am”
Gibson seems to have given his approval to pass the torch of his iconic role to Hardy. He believes in the genuine enthusiasm and earnestness of Hardy’s approach to the material. The gamble paid off as the film as well as Hardy’s performance received critical acclaim and appreciation from audiences.
Tom Hardy Calls Max Rockatansky a Grounded Relatable Superhero
There is a reason why the character of Max Rockatansky is beloved and remembered by action lovers. He is a nobleman trying to bring justice and maintain peace in his land. He is vulnerable and has layers to his personality. Tom Hardy explained why the character appeals to him in the interview with GQ,
“Mad Max is, like, the coolest superhero that a boy could get. ‘Cause there’s no cape, there’s no rubber suit. There’s no flying. Nothing really hurts Batman or Superman. Everything hurts in Mad Max. Remember Indiana Jones when he hated snakes? He was scared. Those kind of heroes, they excite me because they are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. They are fallible. And when they jump, they’re not sure if they’re going to make it to the other side. And then it doesn’t stop. I mean, Mad Max is really just an old man trying to go home”
Presenting a character who is noble in his cause but sways between good and bad actions to achieve it is what makes a character relatable. Max Rockatansky is such a character and is presented in a three-dimensional way in such a way that one understands his motives and emotions. These are the characters that stay with audiences long after a movie is over.
What is Tom Hardy Working on Now?
Tom Hardy has three projects lined up for release and in production. He has the upcoming Jeff Nichols film The Bikeriders, which premiered at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023. The film starring Hardy, Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Michael Shannon will be released in theatres on December 1, 2023. He will also star in the action thriller Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans who directed the two Raid films.
He will also return as Eddie Brock in the third Venom film. Its production was halted due to the ongoing strikes in Hollywood and will resume once it is resolved. It will be directed by Kelly Marcel who co-wrote the first two Venom films and will also star Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Source: GQ
