'' Fury Road '' was in development hell for many years , with pre-production starting as early as 1997 . Attempts to shoot the film in 2001 and 2003 were delayed due to the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War . In 2007 , after focusing on '' Happy Feet '' , Miller decided to pursue it again . He briefly considered producing it as a computer-animated film but abandoned it in favour of live-action . In 2009 , Miller announced that filming would begin in early 2011 . Hardy was cast as Max in June 2010 , with production planned to begin that November . Principal photography was delayed several more times before beginning in July 2012 . The film wrapped in December 2012 , although additional footage was shot in November 2013
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Mad Max: Fury Road