Contenders line up for the fourth Mad Max film

The announcement of a fourth Mad Max movie has sent observers into a tailspin over who will play the lead role made indelible by Mel Gibson.

After some Sam Worthington buzz, Mad Max watchers are now saying US and British actors are under consideration.

British newcomer Tom Hardy and US actor Jeremy Renner are two candidates to enter the field, they say.

Hardy’s nomination for a British Independent Film Award nomination for his work in Bronson was likely to have given him an edge, while Renner has already declared his interest in the part.

The Daily Telegraph said: “It is 24 years since audiences watched the post-apocalyptic anti-hero on the big screen. And while Aussie fans hope to see Sam Worthington fill the screen in the lead role, his busy 2010 film schedule may prohibit him from being involved.”