Its unfortunately been quite some time since we heard anything emerge from Mad Max: Fury Road, apart from production delays and character details. WhatsPlaying recently caught up actor Hugh Keays Byrne [Toecutter] who starred in the 1979 original Mad Max and who is due to appear in Fury Road.
WhatsPlaying. How did you get the gig in Mad Max, sir?
Dr G [George Miller] openly came around to where I was living at the time.
WhatsPlaying. And he offered you the part?
We talked.
WhatsPlaying. And, of course, you ended up getting the part….what are your memories of working with Mel?
I remember mostly giving him the hairy eyeball - or rather, giving ‘Max’ the hairy eyeball. I like Mel. I’m a fan of Mel Gibson.
WhatsPlaying. Did you ever envision the film becoming the success it was?
Something was in the wind…however, no.
WhatsPlaying. You later reunited with George Miller on Justice League - in which you were set to play Martian Manhunter - how he had he changed since the first Mad Max?
Though thirty years had passed he was still very good.
WhatsPlaying. He work the same?
.. he’s very open still.
WhatsPlaying. What can you say about that abandoned Justice League project and your character Martian Manhunter?
All I can say is WETA had woven some magic.
WhatsPlaying. Disappointing it didn’t happen. Now what about Mad Max : Fury Road? You’re involved, I believe? Is it still on?
I understand we start again in a year, gods willing and the wind right!
WhatsPlaying. What’s next for you, Hugh?
Fury Road. Also, The Madness of Max documentary.
WhatsPlaying. Sounds interesting. What’s that?
The last word on arguably the most influential film of the last thirty years. I’m also doing Spademan - a one man show.
