We’ve heard Mad Max 4 rumors for years, and nothing has ever come of it. Maybe this will turn into vapor like every other time George Miller has talked about resurrecting Mel Gibson’s post-apocalyptic franchise only to be sidetracked by dancing penguins. Or maybe he’s finally getting it done. Mad Max deserves a better send off than Thunderdome.

News AU reports that director George Miller is gearing up to make a fourth Mad Max movie, and may start production on it later this year. In fact, they say he’s already out scouting locations and hiring technicians. Mad Max 4 may already be in pre-production. So where’s Mel Gibson?

If he sticks to what he’s said in the past, then Miller probably doesn’t want him. Back in 2006, the last time he these Mad Max 4 rumors Miller said this of Mel: “He was just on the cusp of being too old five years ago. I mean, he was 21 when he first played Mad Max, and now he’s in his fifties - and it’s not about an old fading warrior.” Back then he was all about finding younger, lean and hungry actors to replace him. Whether he’s sticking with that mantra now is anyone’s guess but, and I’m just asking here George, why can’t it be about an old fading warrior? We’ve seen the young Max. Now what’s that Max like as he gets older, surviving in that same, shitty world? It’s been 25 years since Mad Max: Beyond the Thunderdome. How have things changed, how has he changed while he’s aged? To me that’s a lot more interesting than finding some Australian soap opera actor to stand in for an aging icon.