SUBMITTED BY Kit-Kat

November 2, 2009 —

Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are in negotiations to star in "Fury Road," this century's installment of the "Mad Max" movie series from writer-director George Miller.

Miller is producing with Doug Mitchell.

Despite his long association with the fourth movie, Mel Gibson is not reprising his iconic role of Max Rockatansky, the hardened ex-cop in a future beset by gas shortages and marauding gangs.

That job goes to Hardy, the British-born actor who stole scenes as Handsome Bob in Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla." ("RocknRolla" has proved to be a launch pad for Hardy, who booked a gig in Christopher Nolan's "Inception" as well. He also starred in "Bronson.")

Theron is playing the female lead.

While story details are being kept under wraps, the movie does take place a short while after the story detailed in 1985's "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," which keeps Mad Max relatively young.

A shoot next summer in Australia is being eyed. The movie will be an Australian production which Warner Bros. will distribute.

"Road" has been in the works for more than a decade, with Gibson attached to star at one point. When the project finally began ramping up earlier this spring and summer, Miller began looking at and testing numerous actors who could step into the grim shoes previously worn by Gibson.

Courtenay Valenti is overseeing for the studio.

Theron, repped by WME and One Talent Management, appears next in this fall's "The Road."

Hardy is repped by CAA.