Aussie weather puts the brakes on 'Mad Max'

 
(Above: Mel Gibson starred in the original "Mad Max" films)

Director George Miller has confirmed that production on Warner Bros.' "Max Max: Fury Road" is delayed until late 2011.

"Warners are very, very committed to the film, as we are," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "There is nothing like creative problems. It’s not an issue of budget," said Miller.

The pic, starring Tom Hardy (left), was skedded to begin filming in February, but the Australian location of Broken Hill has been hit hard by rain this year, giving way to a lush, green landscape, where as "Mad Max" is set in a dry and practically lifeless desert. 

''Unfortunately...what was wasteland is now this wonderful flower garden,'' Miller said. ''We've looked at every single nook and cranny in Australia for these specific locations,'' he added.

The director, who says he has no choice but to wait out the vegetation, is hoping to shoot the film in September-October of 2011.

Written and produced by Miller, "Fury Road" also stars Charlize Theron in the female lead while Hardy will play Mad Max Rockatansky, the same role that launched Mel Gibson's career.

The logline is still being kept under wraps.

Hardy, who co-starred in WB's "Inception," can next be seen in McG's romantic comedy "This Means War," opposite Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine.

Hardy is repped by CAA and United Artists.

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