Mad Max 2 (also known as The Road Warrior) is a 1981 Australian post-apocalyptic action film directed by George Miller. The film is the second installment in the Mad Max franchise, with Mel Gibson reprising his role as "Mad" Max Rockatansky. Its story follows a community of settlers who move to defend themselves against a roving band of marauders. The film's success helped to launch the career of Mel Gibson and cemented George Miller's reputation as a director of high-octane action films.