The highly anticipated film, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” had production designer Colin Gibson diving back into the world of “Mad Max” to resurrect the motorized army seen in the previous installment, “Fury Road.” Despite the challenges of cleaning up and refurbishing the vehicles, including the iconic War Rig and Gigahorse, Gibson was excited to bring back the marauding mechanized horde for the new film. The cast of “Furiosa” may be impressive, with stars like Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, but the real attractions are the vehicles themselves.
Director George Miller acknowledges the vehicles in the “Mad Max” films as extensions of the characters, with each machine reflecting the personality of its owner. In “Furiosa,” the vehicles play a crucial role in the development of the story, especially in the build-up to the climactic finale. Gibson used the destroyed vehicles from “Fury Road” as a reference point to create an evolution in the design of the new fleet of cars and trucks in “Furiosa.”
The production of “Furiosa” presented numerous challenges, including the need for more locations and a wider array of characters, each with their own unique rides. The addition of new villain Dementus, played by Chris Hemsworth, brought fresh challenges, including the creation of elaborate vehicles like a chariot pulled by motorcycles and a six-wheeled monster truck. Gibson’s commitment to building practical, functional vehicles added to the authenticity and kinetic energy of the film.
While “Furiosa” incorporated more CGI effects than its predecessor, Gibson remained a purist when it came to practical effects, expressing a preference for realism over digital trickery. The effort put into creating working vehicles for the film was massive, with over a thousand people on set every day just to keep everything running smoothly. Despite the inclusion of digital machines, Gibson hoped that the sense of gravity and realism would still be present in the final product.
One of the standout vehicles in “Furiosa” is the motorbike, which plays a key role in the film’s action sequences. George Miller’s vision of thousands of motorbikes swarming the desert presented a daunting task for Gibson, who had to create a large number of distinct motorbikes using a combination of practical and CGI effects. Despite the challenges, Gibson poured his heart into building unique bikes, some of which hold personal meaning for him, like the Triumph kneeler bike inspired by his mother’s racing days.
Overall, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” showcases the artistry and dedication of Colin Gibson and his team in bringing to life a post-apocalyptic world filled with unique and memorable vehicles. The film’s blend of practical effects and CGI creates a thrilling visual experience, with the vehicles serving as integral components of the narrative. As audiences eagerly anticipate the release of “Furiosa,” they can expect a high-octane ride with stunning visuals and an array of imaginative machines that bring the world of “Mad Max” to life once again.
