It’s been more than 30 years since Mel Gibson first brought George Miller’s Mad Max to life. Since then, the story has rumbled through two sequels, with the director now offering more from that world thanks to Mad Max: Fury Road. If you’re a newcomer to the scorched Earth that is depicted in the movies, here’s a briefing for you, which also includes some extra footage from Miller’s latest.



The new Max – which finds Tom Hardy taking over the iconic role from Gibson for a fresh interpretation – promises a return to the stark, desert wasteland where society has long since broken down and lawlessness rules.
 
But in this world of blood, fire and death there are two rebels who might just be able to restore order. Max is still seeking peace of mind after the deaths of his wife and child, and now battles bad guys wherever he finds them.

Then there is Imperator Furiosa (Theron), a shaven-headed woman of action who is trying to survive a long, gruelling trip across the desert to reach her homeland. Along the way, we’ll be treated to what Miller has described as "one long chase scene", full of action and madness.

Zoe Kravitz, Nicholas Hoult, Riley Keough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Megan Gale, Hugh Keays-Byrne and Josh Helman all feature in the insanity, which revs its engine at UK cinemas on May 14.