The People Eater is one of the most terrifying characters in theMad Maxfranchise, raising questions about his role in the world. 2024’sFuriosacontinued expanding on George Miller’s dystopian sci-fi universe, exploring the world of the wasteland and the political landscape between its rival factions. ThebestMad Maxmovieshave expanded Miller’s nightmare universe with terrifying villain characters, from Immortan Joe to Lord Humungus to, of course, the People Eater, played by John Howard inFury RoadandFuriosa.
The People Eater has a notable screen presence in his various appearances in theMad Maxfranchise, but the films don’t spend much time exploring his character. For the most part, most of the franchise’s characters are left with vague bullet points regarding their origins, as theMad Maxmovies aren’t known for pausing on account of exposition. Amidst the high-octane action and road war sequences, there’s not even muchexplanation for the world ofMad Max. This turns the comics into exceptional, worthwhile supplementary material from which to gain information.
The People Eater Is A Logistical Mastermind & Gluttonous Warlord
Contrary to military-like figures such as Immortan Joe, the People Eater’s differing aesthetic is that of a real-world oil baron. This resembles his origin of being a banker. Oppositely, Immortan Joe was a military man. In the early days of theMad Maxworld, set around the time of the original film,the People Eater was caught by Joe’s gang but was spared his life by revealing the location of what would become The Citadel. By revealing this information, he quickly rose through the ranks and became one of Joe’s advisors.
His heavy weight is due to his gluttonous habits, likely including cannibalism, hence his name.
Much of the People Eater’s aesthetic is indicative of his story. His heavy weight is due to his gluttonous habits, likely including cannibalism, hence his name. He’s a sexual deviant who experiences pleasure through pain and violence, hence the bizarre nipple pincers he wears and fondles throughout the films. His nose cap covers his rotting nose, which was caused by leprosy, and one of his feet is swollen and bound, causing him to need help entering vehicles. All of these details significantly contribute to his character, establishing the type of villainous lecher he is.
The People Eater Was Immortan Joe’s Advisor In Furiosa
Before Ruling Gastown, The People Eater Served On Joe’s War Council
WhileMad Max: Fury Roadshows the People Eater as the Mayor of Gastown,Furiosashows him earlier in theMad Maxtimeline, appearing as Immortan Joe’s advisor. As mentioned,the People Eater quickly gained Immortan Joe’s trust due to his strategic nature and knack for information, making him one of the military strategists for the Citadel. Despite lacking a military background, the People Eater’s knowledge of logistics and advanced mathematical capabilities make him a valuable asset in the war room.
Who Killed The World In Mad Max
Mad Max is set in an apocalyptic world destroyed by a nuclear war over oil resources, while Mad Max: Fury Road emphasised the fight over water.
InFuriosa, he aids Immortan Joe in their plan against Dementus, demonstrating how they can utilize a pincer movement to defeat the antagonist. While he seems competent in this regard, his main value is in resource management, as he seems to be most focused inFury Roadon the gas expense of their hunt for Furiosa and the wives. Given that he and Immortan Joe aren’t shown to be very friendly with one another, having the People Eater as a close advisor probably wasn’t applicable for too long, and sending him to Gastown was a better use.
How The People Eater Became The Mayor Of Gastown
The People Eater Manages Joe’s Resources
As mentioned, the People Eater becomes the mayor of Gastown at some point between the two films, putting his logistical skills to good use. This could be because he gained Immortan Joe’s trust and was found worthy of a fief in his empire or because Immortan Joe didn’t want a potential threat in The Citadel. Either option would make sense, given their relationship.Gastown ends up being the perfect job for the People Eater, allowing him to manage the resources of Immortan Joe’s nation, which he does so throughoutFury Road.
Why Furiosa & Praetorian Jack Put Black Grease On Their Foreheads
Furiosa and Praetorian Jack were shown wearing black grease on their foreheads in Fury Road’s prequel, and there’s more than one reason for this.
He arrives in the 2015 film at the head of his own military force from Gastown, riding in a limousine-like vehicle that resembles his gluttonous, luxurious lifestyle. By serving under Immortan Joe, the People Eater manages to become one of the wealthiest men in the world ofMad Max, having a powerful town of his own to manage. He’s eventually killed in the film, as Max uses him as a human shield, showing how little regard Joe actually has for his ally’s life.
Mad Max
Mad Max is an Australian post-apocalyptic franchise created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy. The first three films star Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, a former police officer who seeks revenge after his family is murdered. Tom Hardy took over the role for 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road, which was followed by Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa.
