Two MAD MAX Films to Begin Production in January 2012

Writer and director George Miller has plans to start shooting his two upcoming films, Mad Max: Fury Road and Mad Max: Furiosa back-to-back in early 2012.

"We've built the vehicles. We've designed the movie. The principal cast is locked in. The film is funded. It has been for 18 months now. It's all ready to go. We just wait."

This is the latest update from Miller, who is spearheading the relaunch of the Mad Max film franchise which originally starred Mel Gibson in the title role. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Tom Hardy, Teresa Palmer, Adelaide Clemens and Riley Keough are all set to star in Fury Road, while only Hardy is currently signed on for Furiosa. Miller explained what caused the production's most recent delay,

"The week we were to start, it rained the heaviest it had in 10 years. I'll never forget the first day -- we were holed up in a big sort of shed watching the rain. We couldn't shoot. If you want the rain to come, just send a film crew there. We will restart pre-production later this year and begin early next year -- weather permitting."

Mad Max: Fury Road will reportedly hit theaters in late 2012; Mad Max: Furiosa is eying a 2013 release.