Is This Our First Look At Tom Hardy As Mad Max?

Tom Hardy in Locke
(Image credit: A24)

Could this be the new “Mad” Max Rockatansky?

A reader has shared this autographed image of Tom Hardy in costume on what is believed to be the set of George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road with AICN. Harry Knowles, himself, claims that the signature looks like Hardy’s, though as he says the image doesn’t look like any character the actor has played before. Is this our very first unofficial look at Hardy’s interpretation of the legendary road warrior? Take a look:

I find it a little strange to think that Hardy would be handing out signed photographs of himself in character when the studio has yet to share anything from Miller’s movie. Would he be able, in the world of instant-share social media, to just leak the first coveted look at his version of the iconic character? I think it’s unlikely, yet like Knowles, I don’t recognize this photo of Hardy playing a character from any of his past roles.

Filming on Fury Road wrapped recently in Australia, so we’ll likely hear more about potential teasers and a maybe a full trailer as Miller cuts footage together and the studio contemplates a 2013 release date. What we don’t know yet is whether Fury Road will serve as a prequel or sequel to the three Mad Max movies that once starred Mel Gibson.

The plot, from what we know, finds Max (Hardy) assisting a caravan of people piloting a War Rig across the Wasteland. Hardy will be joined by Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Zoe Kravitz in the film. So what do you think? Is this Hardy as Max, or something different? What do you hope it is?

Sean O'Connell
Managing Editor

Sean O’Connell is a journalist and CinemaBlend’s Managing Editor. Having been with the site since 2011, Sean interviewed myriad directors, actors and producers, and created ReelBlend, which he proudly cohosts with Jake Hamilton and Kevin McCarthy. And he's the author of RELEASE THE SNYDER CUT, the Spider-Man history book WITH GREAT POWER, and an upcoming book about Bruce Willis.