Chris Hemsworth lands new role in prequel to Aussie cult classic
Chris Hemsworth has said he is “pretty damn fired up” after confirming he will star in a Mad Max prequel alongside Anya Taylor-Joy.
The Aussie actor said it will be an “honour” to appear in George Miller’s eagerly awaited follow-up to acclaimed 2015 blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road.
The movie, called Furiosa, will see Taylor-Joy in the lead role and will also feature 34-year-old American actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
It will explore the story of a character played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, which garnered praise for its portrayal of the strong female lead.
The Thor actor took to Instagram to say: "Pretty damn fired up to be a part of a franchise that meant the world to me as a kid growing up in Australia.
"Mad Max was the pinnacle and a huge reason why I got into the business of telling stories.
"The fact that I'll have the honour of not only being directed by its original visionary in George Miller but also take part in Furiosa's origin story is incredibly exciting."
The Hollywood star said he has “huge respect” for Miller, Theron and her Fury Road co-star Tom Hardy, and added: "I'll do my best to continue the tradition of cinematic badassery."
Australian filmmaker said he originally thought of recasting 45-year-old Theron as Furiosa and with the use of de-aging technology, she could discover the character’s origins.
But he then decided to cast 24-year-old Taylor-Joy, an American-born Argentine-British actress.
Fury Road was a huge critical and commercial success and scored 10 Oscar nominations, including for best picture and best director. It won six, including for costume design and production design.