With the fourth "Mad Max" movie, "Mad Max: Fury Road," finally due out in theaters in 2015, one of the signature roles of Mel Gibson's career is getting a lot of mention again. After all, in the first of his many roles as a major actor, Gibson created the part of Mad Max in three George Miller-directed films released between 1979 and 1985. It is newcomer Tom Hardy, however, who stars in the fourth "Mad Max" flick. Here are six quotes regarding Gibson and the iconic role of Mad Max.
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1. "Mr. Gibson recalls the young Steve McQueen. I can't define ''star quality,'' but whatever it is, Mr. Gibson has it."
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Film critic Vincent Canby, in a New York Times review of "The Road Warrior," published in August 1982
2. "Cinematographer David Eggby and stunt coordinator Grant Page did some of their best work under Miller's direction and crafted a gritty, gripping thrill ride which spawned two sequels, numerous imitations, and made Mel Gibson an international star."
̶—Rotten Tomatoes, in a review of original "Mad Max" film
3. "Gibson "cited 'Road Warrior' as his favorite of the films since he liked how it was almost a silent film and 'with the benefits of the first one, I think they made the film they wanted to make in the first place' and though 'Beyond Thunderdome' is the least appreciated of the three, he didn't dismiss it."
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Gibson, from interview on The Moveable Fest after a special screening of first "Mad Max" film at the Egyptian Theater, Hollywood, California, in January 2012
4."Great," Gibson said of someone else playing Max. "I think it's fantastic. I can't wait to see it. I think George is a genius, and whatever he's going to do with that franchise, he's got good reason," said Gibson, who, at age 54, said it's time for him to move on. "I can't take the punishment for that sort of thing,"
̶—Gibson, quoted in write-up of interview with MTV in January 2010
5. "When I got the part, I thought, 'Everyone loves Mel. I'm the new kid, they're going to hate me. But George created Max with Mel and I've inherited the legacy. It's my job to just turn up and do as he asks."
̶—Tom Hardy, in interview In the UK Mirror following surprise appearance of Gibson at "Mad Max: Fury Road" premiere in May 2015
6. "They're more the same than they're different," said Miller. "They're two very charismatic, lovable guys who have kinds of a danger inside … and I think that's why they're movie stars. That's why we watch them with a fascination."
̶—George Miller, when asked at "Fury Road" premiere to compare Gibson and Ford, quoted in USA Today
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