A big boost for the Australian film production industry, with confirmation the new Mad Max movie will be shot in Sydney, New South Wales in the next year.

It has been over 20 years since the last Mad Max film, Max Max in Thunderdome, was released, and the new instalment is expected to be nothing short of complimentary to the highly successful series.

After directing the first three movies, director George Miller is back at the helm for the new one and congratulated the Australian state for its success in getting the production rights.

“Hollywood has cut its production in half. Big movies like Fury Road and Happy Feet are rare and competitively sought after in all the filmmaking regions of the world,” Miller said.

“The production agreements have been a long time in the making and Premier Rees and his team has worked like Trojans to ensure this substantial investment comes into this country. Not only does it help fuel the local economy but it means many talented people get a chance to practise their craft and lift their skills.”

New South Wales Premier, Nathan Rees, was also vocal about the delight of the film coming to Sydney.

“(It) Is a clear vote of confidence in Australian expertise (and) proves that Sydney is an international contender for major film production,” he said.

While the production is set to commence soon, there has been no confirmation on a replacement for Mel Gibson as the lead role for the film.

Sam Worthington has been widely tipped as a possible replacement.