Fans of George Miller's post-apocalyptic action franchise had to wait 30 years between 1985's "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome" and last year's acclaimed "Mad Max: Fury Road." However, if -- if! -- a new report is to believed, the next installment will take nowhere near as long.

According to the Australian newspaper the Herald Sun, a prequel to "Fury Road" has already begun pre-production, and filming could get under way in Broke Hill, New South Wales, as early as the end of the year. There's no confirmation from either Warner Bros. or Miller.

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This is reportedly "Mad Max: The Wasteland," which the newspaper contends will delve into backstory of Charlize Theron's fan-favorite character Imperator Furiosa. Miller said last year he wasn't sure what role, if any, Furiosa would play in a "Fury Road" follow-up.

The director confirmed early this year that he plans to make two more "Mad Max" films, but said they won't be next on his list. Instead, he aims to focus on a small project "without special effects."

The newspaper contends that Tom Hardy, who has revealed he's signed on for three more "Mad Max" installments, is attached to star in the prequel. How he might fit into Furiosa's backstory is a bit of a mystery.

"Mad Max: Fury Road" grossed more than $378 million worldwide, received 10 Oscar nominations and won six.

(via Birth.Movies.Death)