The new Mad Max film is coming and there’s a potential cast member… and it’s not Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson in Mad Max 2 a.k.a. The Road Warrior
Mel Gibson in Mad Max 2 a.k.a. The Road Warrior

AICN posted a hopeful story, originally from ModBee, about the long-in-development Mad Max 4, at one time called Fury Road.

Jeremy Renner, from the The Hurt Locker and 28 Weeks Later, said in an interview that he’s screen-testing for a part in the upcoming George Miller-directed sequel, which still appears to be set to begin shooting next Summer. Although he didn’t say what part he’d be playing in the film.

I’ve been amped about this film for years. The Road Warrior was sort of a rite of passage for me, as I fondly remember going to see the film when it was first released in the U.S., with my best friend at the time. It was one of those movies you leave the theater with your mouth open thinking, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before’. I hope this finally happens, and I think Renner would fill Mel Gibson’s shoes well in the major role.

Renner also confirmed that he’s headed to Boston this month to play a thief in a film Ben Affleck is directing called The Town, based on the novel Prince of Thieves. The movie revolves around a group of career bank robbers, one of whom falls in love with a girl they jack.

The Town also stars Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Blake Lively (Gossip Girl).