Starring in the latest installment of a beloved franchise that has spanned over 45 years can be daunting, which is why ‘Furiosa’ star Anya Taylor-Joy turned to her friend and fellow actor, Nicholas Hoult, for advice. ‘These movies are massive, colossal beasts, and it’s a style of filmmaking that’s meticulously crafted, so you can feel a bit overwhelmed,’ Taylor-Joy shared with Total Film magazine on Thursday, April 25, which features ‘Furiosa’ on its cover. To gain some insight, she sought guidance from her ‘The Menu’ co-star, who simply advised her to ‘trust George,’ referring to George Miller, the film’s director, and creator of the ‘Mad Max’ franchise.
‘Furiosa’ serves as a prequel to ‘Fury Road,’ delving into the backstory of the fierce female warrior and showcasing how she was taken captive by the evil Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) and brought from The Green Place to The Citadel under Immortan Joe’s rule. Further into the interview, Taylor-Joy elaborated on how she prepared for the role by meticulously studying the 2015 film. ‘I would watch the first 10 minutes of ‘Fury Road’ again and again,’ added the ‘Last Night in Soho’ star, ‘just to understand how it all worked.’
Previously portrayed by Charlize Theron as an adult in ‘Fury Road,’ Taylor-Joy embodies the character’s younger years, filling in the gaps surrounding this enigmatic warrior. She emphasized the significance of showcasing Furiosa’s journey and evolution, especially through extended action sequences. ‘You witness an accumulation of skills throughout a battle,’ the actress said, ‘and that’s vital to understanding Furiosa’s resourcefulness and determination.’
Despite ‘Furiosa’ being released almost a decade after ‘Fury Road,’ the two films are deeply connected. Miller has actually had the prequel ready for quite some time. ‘We had finalized the script for ‘Furiosa’ before we even filmed ‘Fury Road,” said the filmmaker, whose initial plan was to produce the prequel as an anime series.
‘Furiosa’ hits theaters on May 24. For more information and exclusive content, pick up the latest issue of Total Film magazine, which hits shelves and digital newsstands on Thursday, April 25. Grab your copy now to stay updated on all the latest and greatest in the entertainment world.
