FIRST LOOK: Tom Hardy sports battered leather jacket as he takes on role of Mad Max in movie remake



It was the role made famous by Mel Gibson in what is considered by many as the actor's heyday.

But now Tom Hardy has taken on the role of Mad Max in the remake of the film, with the first image of the actor in the lead role delighting fans.

The image emerged when Tom sent a signed photograph to a fan, with Warner Bros, who are making the film, later confirming the the picture is in fact of Hardy in character as Mad Max.

Spot the difference: Tom Hardy plays Mad Max, the role originally made famous by Mel Gibson (right), in Mad Max: Fury Road



In the shot, Tom is seen wearing a battered leather jacket similar to the one originally sported by Gibson, while accessorising it with various scarfs and clutching a bag as he makes his way through what appears to be a desert.

However, despite the similarities in appearance between Tom and Gibson, the British actor said previously that he was hoping to bring something new to the role.

He said: 'I would have to pick up where Mel left off, but in all honesty, it would be ridiculous to pick up where Mel left off.

Leak: The image hit the internet after Tom sent a signed photograph from the movie to a fan



'He is Mad Max. I have to bring something entirely different and new to the stage.'



The film, which is expected to be released in 2013, sees Tom star alongside Riley Keough, Nicholas Hoult and Charlize Theron, who shaved off her trademark long blonde hair to take on the role of Furiosa in the film.

Speaking recently about the movie, Charlize said: 'I feel like the original Mad Max created such a vivid world, that to go back and re-imagine it and kind of replay in that sandbox sounds like fun to me.



'George [Miller] really created a female character that I've never read anything like this. I mean, I'm scared!

