While in production for “Mad Max 2,” the co-writer Terry Hayes penned an official production document called “The Preamble” that filled in some significant gaps. Most important, it indicates that three years had passed since the events of the first film. According to the Preamble and the opening narration, a war over oil in the Persian Gulf has resulted in riots, looting, civil war, and anarchy on highways across the globe. That brings us to approximately 1988.
“Beyond Thunderdome” is set 15 years later, so 2003, according to an interview with Hayes at the time of its release. Dialogue and voice-over indicate that a full-on nuclear apocalypse has occurred in the intervening years, and water is now as scarce as gasoline.
“Fury Road” was originally intended as a direct sequel set immediately after the events in “Thunderdome.” As “Fury Road” languished in development hell, it was revised to accommodate the advancing age of its leading man; Max would be a grizzled survivor, descending into a feral state with the passage of time. However, after Gibson made headlines for anti-Semitic and misogynistic remarks (for which he later apologized), he became a liability to the production. So Max was recast as the much younger Hardy — though the film’s references to decades gone by were retained, with the best guesses placing its events in the mid-21st century. And how is Max still so young? Well, friends, that’s movie magic.
According to Miller, “Furiosa” follows its leading character from age 10 to 26, concluding mere moments before “Fury Road” begins. (One quick shot explicitly quotes that film’s opening image of Max and his car, reminding the audience that he is out there, waiting to join the story.)
The Proper Viewing Chronology
Refreshingly, there is no right way to watch the “Mad Max” movies — in fact, the press notes for “Furiosa” take pains to call it “an all-new original, stand-alone action adventure,” lest any potential ticket buyers stay away out of fear that they’re unprepared.
You can certainly start with “Furiosa,” though shout-outs to events and characters of the other films (especially “Fury Road”) make it somewhat richer for veteran viewers, and you would be wise to sprint for the exits as soon as the end credits begin, as they’re peppered with clips (and potential spoilers) for the 2015 film. If you do start with “Furiosa,” take in “Fury Road” immediately afterward.
You can also pair up the newer films without watching the original trilogy, or vice versa. But the ideal viewing order would be narratively chronological: the original films in order of release — “Mad Max,” “Mad Max 2” and “Beyond Thunderdome” — followed by “Furiosa” (minus end credits), and finishing with the roaring capper of “Fury Road.” Of course, that’s merely this viewer’s opinion; your mileage, as they say, may vary.
