When you encounter a character name in the Mad Max universe, it immediately evokes a vivid impression of their persona. Consider Immortan Joe, a name befitting a self-made ferocious warlord, or Imperator Furiosa, clearly indicating an unstoppable force of vengeance. Then there’s the hard-rocking Doof Warrior and Lord Humungus from The Road Warrior. Not to forget Rictus Erectus, whose characteristics are left to the imagination. So, when you discover that Chris Hemsworth character in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, George Miller’s expansive prequel to Fury Road, goes by the name Dementus, it’s evident: he’s likely not the sunshine and rainbows type.
Chris Hemsworth Acknowledges that his Character In Mad Max is Nasty
The intuition proves to be entirely accurate. In an exclusive interview with Empire for the Furiosa issue, Chris Hemsworth acknowledges that his character, Dementus, is a decidedly unpleasant individual. However, in the tradition of the best villains, he doesn’t necessarily perceive himself in that light. “Through the whole film, we kept coming back to, ‘This is evil, but what is the intention behind it?'” Hemsworth shares. “It’s not just sadistic insanity.
There is a real purpose; the wheels are turning, he’s plotting and planning and ten steps ahead of everyone else.” In the harsh landscape of the Wasteland, Dementus even envisions himself as a quasi-father figure to Furiosa, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. “I think that’s how he sees himself,” Hemsworth explains. “I think there’s a paternal quality and nature to the relationship in his eyes. [Furiosa] would, I’m sure, argue to her death the complete opposite.”
In the Mad Max universe, Dementus naturally requires an appropriately extravagant set of wheels. Moreover, filmmaker George Miller was more than willing to meet this demand. Chris Hemsworth enthusiastically expresses about Furiosa, “The quad bike is the wildest piece of machinery I’ve ever ridden, and I loved every second of it.”
In this installment he hints at more colossal, high-octane action. In addition, the director recounts experiences such as hanging from a crane, being hung from a monster truck and undergoing dramatic stunts. Hemsworth playfully reflects on how such an intense world originates from one of the kindest individuals. As the saying goes: you don’t have to be as mad as Max to work here – but it helps.
World-Exclusive Cover Feature on Furiosa
Explore the guzzoline-fueled madness of the action-packed shoot in Empire’s world-exclusive cover feature on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Dive into the insights from George Miller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, and more on Thursday, 14 March. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will hit cinemas on 24 May.
Featured Image Via Village Roadshow Pictures