Former WWE star responds to backlash over Mad Max ‘Furiosa’ role: ‘a fictional character’
(WTAJ) – A former WWE superstar responded to backlash from fans over his role in the recently-released “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”
Former WWE superstar Nathan Jones joined the Mad Max cast in 2015 as Rictus Erectus and then reprised the role in “Furiosa.”
Jones’ character, Rictus, had what many called an “uncomfortable” scene with the young Furiosa character, played by Alyla Browne, and fans of the film voiced their thoughts on social media.
This prompted Jones to feel he needed to explain he was playing a fictional character.
From Jones’ Facebook:
Hi everyone,
I’ve noticed a few queries and private messages about my role in Mad Max: Furiosa, particularly regarding a scene with young Furiosa. This is a very sensitive subject, and I want to emphasize that it involves a fictional character. The details can be uncomfortable, and as an actor, my job is to portray a character based on the direction and script provided to me. I appreciate your understanding and support in recognizing the distinction between fiction and reality. Thank you.
Best, Nathan
Nathan’s post inspired a flood of support online, with many expressing frustration that the ex-wrestler had to publicly highlight the difference between fiction and reality.
“Honestly can’t fathom how a functioning adult human brain can watch an actor portray a fictional character in a movie or show and then come to the conclusion that the actor is in the wrong for portraying that character,” one person wrote on Reddit. “Not only that but to then also go as far as to harass them online. Wild.”
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Jones, an Australian native who stands 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs over 330 pounds, was signed to the WWE in 2002 and soon left over his disdain for all the travel. He retired from pro wrestling in 2005 and went into acting.
His roles have included the 2020 Mortal Kombat reboot, “The Condemned,” starring “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and “Ricky Stanicky,” starring John Cena.
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