Mad Max premiere: Tom Hardy overshadowed by glamorous Charlize Theron and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Charlize Theron and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stole the spot light from leading man Tom Hardy at the black carpet premiere of Mad Max: Fury Road.

The actress and model – who play Imperator Furiosa and Splendid respectively – stole the attention from a dapper looking Hardy as they dazzled in front of the cameras at the Los Angeles event.

Huntington-Whiteley, 28, looked sensational in a black embellished Rodarte top and skirt which she teamed with black heels and minimal jewellery.

Theron, 39 – who put on an affectionate display as she posed hand in hand with her partner Sean Penn – turned heads in a monochrome mesh dress which she teamed with ample jewel-encrusted accessories.

The trio were met by hoards of screaming fans who they made sure to meet and greet, sign autographs for and take selfies with.

Mel Gibson – who played the original Max Rockatansky in the 1979 Mad Max film – made a surprise appearance to join his successor Hardy.

Dressed in a black jacket with an open neck shirt, the Braveheart actor was greeted by a huge roar from the crowd as he posed for pictures with Hardy – who recently described his first experience with Gibson as "awkward".

The 37-year-old actor told Details magazine: “I met Mel. I needed to meet Mel purely from a young man’s perspective.

“I wanted to touch base with the previous Max and just say hello. And is it okay? Because I’m taking on Max, I have to meet Max. It’s awkward. You’re Mad Max. I’m Tommy Hardy, and I’m playing him.”

Hardy added: “He was bored with me. He said, “All right, buddy, good luck with that.” Bless him. I made him a bracelet. And then we talked for a couple of hours about all kinds of stuff.”

The cast were also joined by actors Thandie Newton and Nicholas Hoult, as well as George Miller, who served as director for both films in the franchise.

Mad Max: Fury Road is set for UK release on May 14.