Can Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga possibly live up to its Oscar-winning and genre-defining predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road? It’s a tall order, but if the second trailer for this highly anticipated prequel is anything to go by, George Miller—the franchise’s writer, director, and all ‘round Immortan Joe-level overseer—may have done it again when the film hits cinemas on May 23.
With a better sense of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’s plot than the first trailer, we’re now given a glimpse into how the title character (played here by Anya Taylor-Joy) became the fearsome desert warrior Charlize Theron embodied in Fury Road. From the childhood tragedy that forced her from the Green Place to her ultimate arrival at Immortan Joe’s citadel, it’s clear that wherever Furiosa goes, she brings a whole lot of manic, vehicle-based carnage with her. Plus, we imagine the film will show us how she ended up with that handy (…) metal arm at some point.
The new trailer also delivers a more in-depth look at Chris Hemsworth as the Warlord Dementus—the film’s primary antagonist—and his Biker Horde. In addition to his outlandish wardrobe, hair, and impressive prosthetic nose, we’re struck by his voice.
Gone is the deep, neutral tone Hemsworth has adopted for his Thor appearances, replaced with a broad, nasal Australian accent that’s reminiscent of characters from the original Mad Max, which was released all the way back in 1979. While it may shock overseas audiences, we think it’s a welcome addition to a franchise that—disappointingly—seems to be embracing more American accents.
Those hoping Miller can replicate the success of Mad Max: Fury Road will be pleased to hear he’s rejoined here by much of the talent that helped make that film so special.
This includes co-writer Nico Lathouris and the man responsible for many of those unforgettable stunts, Guy Norris. Plus, editor Margaret Sixel, costume designer Jenny Beavan, and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt—all of whom won an Oscar for their work on Fury Road—are back as well.
Will this be enough to ensure Furiosa is a worthy sequel to one of the greatest action films ever created? And will Max himself somehow make an appearance in this latest epic?
We’ll have to wait until May 23 to find out. In the meantime, check out the new trailer above.
