Tom Hardy, who plays the titular role in Mad Max: Fury Road, revealed that his playing the lead part, is, in a way, a tribute to his late dog.

What We Know So Far About Mad Max: Fury Road

Speaking to the New York Daily News, Hardy told a fascinating story about his role in the movie and his now deceased dog. Interestingly enough, Hardy's dog was called Mad Max. He was given the already christened dog on when he was 17 years old.

"I was born in the year the first one came out. I was born in 1977, a year before the first one was filmed, so I didn't know it," Hardy said. "But I did have a dog that was given to me when I was 17 years of age (already) named Mad Max."

George Miller Reveals Why Mel Gibson Was Dropped From Mad Max: Fury Road

The actor also added that he disapproved of the name as he thought it was unfair to call a dog "mad."

"I never liked the name Mad Max, because I didn't think it was fair to call a dog mad, he was just misunderstood," Hardy said, "and 17 years later, my dog dies and I get the role in Mad Max."

The actor went on to reveal that he hadn't really watched the Mad Max series when the role was offered to him, it was only after that that he actually "got into them."

"It wasn't until I got the job that I watched the movies and I really got into them," he said. "And then I spent a lot of time with (director) George Miller as an artist and I totally fell into the world."

Mad Max: Fury Road is being directed by Miller and stars Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult.

Mad Max: Fury Road will hit theaters on May 15 2015.

Watch the official trailer here:

Tags: Mad Max: Fury Road Tom Hardy Movies