Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are reportedly being eyed for roles in George Miller’s Mad Max 4.

According to E! Online, Australian filmmaker Miller is looking to cast Theron in the lead female role and Brit actor Hardy (Bronson) to replace Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky.

However, financiers have yet to sign off on Miller’s casting choices, with actors allegedly being auditioned for parts without being told the name of their character.

Released in 1979, Mad Max centred on a cop who takes the law into his own hands after a biker gang kills his family. It spawned sequels in 1981 and 1985 with Mel Gibson in the title role.