Charlize Theron has been handpicked to play the lead female role in the fourth 'Mad Max' film.

The South African actress was selected by George Miller, the Australian director who created the series, reports E! News.

Mel Gibson, however, will not be reprising the role that gained him international stardom.

According to E! News, "when he announced that he would begin work on the sequel back in 2007, Miller admitted Gibson was too old for the antihero role of 'Mad' Max Rockatansky, and said: 'I don't think he would be interested in being involved at all'."

Miller is keeping the plot under wraps, but also mentioned that he would like Brit Tom Hardy to take the lead. Hardy has had minor roles in films like 'Black Hawk Down' and miniseries 'Band of Brothers'.