Next year the post apocalyptic anti hero Max Rockatansky will return to the big screen after a wait of almost 30 years in Mad Max: Fury Road. The role, made famous in 1979 by the then virtually unknown Mel Gibson, will this time be portrayed by, and headlined by the young British character actor Tom Hardy, joined by Mad Max franchise director George Miller, Hollywood royalty Charlize Theron and rising British star Nicholas Hoult.
Tom Hardy is probably best known to modern audiences for his imposing portrayal of super villain Bane in Christopher Nolan's 2012 epic comic book movie adaptation The Dark Knight Rises. Hardy's memorable rendition of the character is recognised by movie fans and critics as equal to that of fellow Dark Knight Trilogy actor, the late Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker.
Yet his captivating portrayal of Batmans physical and mental equal seems inevitable when one looks back at Tom Hardy's career in the movie industry. Much like fellow Dark Knight trilogy actor and fellow Britishman Gary Oldman, Hardy has proven time and again throughout his career that he is capable of amazing and extensive range of performances.
In movies such as Sir Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down, Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla, Tomas Alfredson's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Christopher Nolan's Inception Hardy has blended into the background, but as with his portrayal of Bane, Hardys performances in movies such as Star Trek: Nemesis (above) and Bronson (below) have showcased not only his amazing talent but his ability to embody a character so completely that the audience forgets of the actor.
Much like many of the great actors, musicians and comedians, as we have recently learnt with the sad passing of Robin Williams, Hardy has battled against the dark side of fame, fighting addictions to alcohol and crack cocaine during the early years of his career since winning Big Breakfast's Find Me a Supermodel in 1998. Yet, since 2003 Hardy has remained clean from addiction and has focused all of his energies on his ever growing career, and as a result his career is flourishing.
Next year, not only will Hardy take up the mantle of Mad Max but he can also be seen in Brian Helgeland's forthcoming movie Legend, in which Hardy will portray the notorious British gangster twins Reggie and Ronald Kray. Additionally, later this year Hardy will begin filming on his next movie Rocketman, in which he will portray the enigmatic British music legend Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known by his stage name as Elton John.
Here is to a long and prosperous career for one of Brtians greatest young actors and the heir to Gary Oldmans throne of Britain and Hollywoods greatest character actor.
