Max a weaker character since Road Warrior?

[MWFV8]

I reckon it could be written to fit in with the existing scene times. The whole Vuvalini meeting, planning what to do, and setting up to head back could be cut with no real loss to the story - it would just dwell on Max more. Nux and Furiousa in the hold could be entwined into early section of the chase where they would escape to help out, thus endangering Furiosa and raising the stakes for Max (much Akin to him finding the Feral Kid on the tanker in RW).

[Turbofurball]

The only fly in the ointment there would be working out how Furiosa's desire to help the wives could be cast off in a natural way - Max's responsibilities were taken from him in MM1 and BT, whereas having someone just drop those they wanted to protect would paint a very different picture.

Also Max imprisoning Furiosa wouldn't fly with the Wives, given their history of incarceration ... I'm not saying it couldn't work, just that trying to cram it in could force a narrative fumble like BT

[MWFV8]

Indeed, it would need setting up earlier on. Plus what was written into Fury Road was so cumbersome anyway - everyone deciding to just ride the empty wasteland, Max pulling a map out of his ass, etc.

A split could be created when they debate what to do next. The Five Wives and Nux deciding they want to stay with the Vuvalini (since they are surviving alone), and Furiosa, fueled by rage, deciding she is going to ride the wasteland with a promise to return if she finds salvation. Furiosa asks Max to join her but he doesn't respond and seems withdraw. Offended and disappointed, Furiosa scolds him for not possessing the most basic form of humanity - hope. The Five Wives defend him, assuming he plans to stay and protect them, but he mutters something about leaving in the morning. There is a mixed air of shame and acceptance from the others. That night, while Furiosa is packing her things, The Dag approaches Max sat alone and urges him to stay or at least talking Furiosa into staying. She questions his lack of hope and talks about Immortan Joe. She taps into Max's emotions by talking about how Joe has lost a wife and a baby, this causes Max to shed a tear, which she notices but doesn't acknowledge, other than to say it's enough to drive a man crazy. She leaves the conversation quipping that will just go back to his War Pups and, if he comes near them, boom headshot.

The next morning, while Furiosa is resting, Max and Nux snatch her and manage to get her in the hold. With everyone confused and Furiosa screaming and banging, Nux shouts something about Max being right and fending the others off. Guns are drawn, but Capable instinctively defends Nux confusing things further. Max is already firing up the War Rig but Fragile stands in front of it, believing they're headed back to the Citadel and wanting to go with them. Everyone pauses and falls silent. Toast asks if that's true. Max nods for her to get in. Nux asks Capable to wish him luck and forces his way into the hold to protect/restrain Furiosa. The Five Wives all climb aboard for their various reasons and take up arms. As they pull away, The Dag calls for the Vuvalini to join them and protect the cargo. As they race away, Toast asks Max how he plans to get around Immortan Joe's army, he doesn't respond, The Dag looks at her and mimics shooting herself in the head.

[Turbofurball]

Mmm, that would change the tone of the whole film IMO ... could work as part of another story though, since not every good person could be as focussed as Furiosa.

In fact, as a progression from his more humane state at the end of FR having Max try to help someone who is like he was at the start of FR could be really good!

[scfc68]

Would have been great to see Max drive the warrig at the end with Furiosa doing all the hand to hand stuff with the pole cats etc. Maybe its that is what im missing from the final chase which to me was a bit of after the lord mayors show.

I find it hard to reconcile the couldn't give a rats ass Max in MM2 with the man we see in Fury Road especially the lines he says to Furiosa, sayinh he's sorry about the pain etc.

I like both portrayals but for me they are worlds apart

has the whole reboot thing yet been settled once and for all?? Because if it really is a brand new thing then there is no need to reconcile the the different takes as they are not meant to relate. Hardy to me went out of his way NOT to emulate Mel.

[Mad Serge]

Yes, unfortunately, it makes no sense. But it's canon :

M1, M2, M3, Max in the comics and Fury Road.