The Mad Max franchise is on the cusp of a remarkable opportunity, one that harkens back to a brilliant villain twist conceived 44 years ago. With the impending release of Mad Max: The Wasteland, fans are eager for a storyline that truly resonates with the series’ legacy. The journey toward developing this next installment has been tumultuous. Tom Hardy, who played the titular character in Mad Max: Fury Road, has issued both optimistic and discouraging statements about the project, raising questions regarding his potential recasting. Additionally, the franchise is reeling from the underwhelming box office performance of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, casting uncertainty over the future of the beloved series.
Should The Wasteland come to fruition, it holds within its narrative a compelling plot twist that has languished for decades. Over the years, the franchise has introduced several memorable villains, yet none have quite matched the potential of Lord Humungus, portrayed by Kjell Nilsson in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. Initially, this character was slated to receive a shocking identity reveal that, while never utilized, could be fully realized in The Wasteland.
The Road Warrior’s Villain, Humungus, Was Originally Intended to Be Mad Max’s Old Partner
Jim Goose Was Meant to Survive Mad Max & Conceal His Injuries with a Hockey Mask
In earlier drafts of The Road Warrior, a fascinating twist was intended: Lord Humungus was meant to be revealed as Jim Goose, played by Steve Bisley, who was Max’s partner in the original Mad Max. In that film, Goose meets a tragic fate, burned alive by the antagonists Toecutter and Johnny the Boy. However, a remnant of the character’s survival lingers—Goose is seen by Max in a hospital post-attack, a vision of despair. The narrative intended for him to recover and subsequently lead a gang comprised of former members of the MFP.
Had the reveal of Lord Humungus as Jim Goose been executed, it would have added layers of depth to the narrative. Bringing back Goose would align both Mad Max films, which currently feel like disparate stories. Furthermore, transforming Humungus from a faceless villain into a tragic figure intertwined with Max’s past would undoubtedly heighten the emotional stakes during their confrontation. While this twist was never realized as anticipated, The Wasteland still has the chance to rectify this missed opportunity.
Mad Max’s Next Movie Villain Should Reintroduce The Road Warrior’s Axed Goose Twist
Making Goose a Villain Would Be a Compelling Twist & an Ideal Callback for Mad Max: The Wasteland
The notion of revealing Goose as Lord Humungus is an idea too compelling to remain a mere anecdote. This twist presents an elegant opportunity to delve into Max’s deep-seated regrets over forsaking his previous life as he transitions to a transient existence in the wasteland. Mad Max: The Wasteland would gain immensely from integrating this previously scrapped storyline. While Humungus is irrefutably deceased, the narrative could introduce a new antagonist, creatively obscuring their identity, thereby preserving an aura of mystery.
The Concern Regarding Goose’s Return in The Road Warrior Is No Longer Relevant
Humungus’ Background Was Excluded Due to Mad Max’s Initial Obscurity, But Recognition of Goose Has Evolved
Despite the inherent potential, the original cut of The Road Warrior ultimately did not divulge Lord Humungus as being Jim Goose. Although hints of the initial idea remained—such as Humungus’ gang utilizing MFP equipment—the cut dialogue that would have revealed Goose’s identity was absent. Director George Miller made the careful decision to omit this backstory, doubtful that the audience would recognize Goose, given the relative obscurity of the original Mad Max at that time. Released in 1979, it garnered $8 million worldwide, which, while a significant achievement, left it somewhat under the public radar until later.
Today, the first Mad Max film is revered as a classic, acknowledged by millions worldwide. The current cultural landscape means audiences are far more likely to recognize Goose and his significance in the narrative. If Mad Max: The Wasteland aims to utilize Jim Goose as an unexpected antagonist, the contemporary audience is primed to grasp the weight of such a reveal.
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Mad Max Movies In Chronological Order |
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Mad Max |
Released 1979 |
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Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior |
Released 1981 |
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Mad Max: Beyond The Thunderdome |
Released 1985 |
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Furious |
Released 2024 |
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Mad Max: Fury Road |
Released 2015 |
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Mad Max: The Wasteland |
Release Date TBA |
There has never been a more opportune moment to reimagine Goose as an antagonist within a Mad Max framework. The series has seen its characters evolve with new actors stepping into well-known roles, as evidenced by Tom Hardy succeeding Mel Gibson in Mad Max: Fury Road, and Anya Taylor-Joy recently taking over from Charlize Theron in Furiosa. George Miller has also demonstrated his interest in exploring character backstories, which suggests that he might be open to revisiting Max’s narrative connections as well. With any luck, the latest Mad Max installment could finally explore this tantalizing twist.
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