Summary
A newJudge Dreddmovie is heading to theaters with an unlikely director attached. Judge Dredd is a character that originated in the comic book series2000 AD, but has since transcended thesci-fiseries. Beyond getting his own series, the character gained notoriety, crossing over with other properties, includingBatman,Predator, andRoboCop.
Sylvester Stallone famously starred in the critically panned 1995Judge Dreddfilm. The movie suffered from numerous issues, but many felt it strayed too far from the character, playing into Stallone’s strengths rather than Dredd’s. The character was brought back for another film adaptation in 2012, with Karl Urban taking onthe title role inDredd. The lauded writer behind28 Days Later,Annihilation, and the upcomingElden Ringmovie, Alex Garland, pennedDredd, with many saying behind-the-scenes turmoil led to him “ghost directing” when problems arose with Pete Travis. Despite the issues,Dreddwas praised for a closer adherence to the lore of the comics, with Urban’s performance capturing the essence of the character while never removing his helmet. Fans may be disappointed, as many have been holding out hope of a follow-up to Urban’s film, but the character will be heading back to theaters.
As reported byTHR,Taika Waititi has been tapped to direct a new adaptation ofJudge Dredd. Waititi is known for films likeThor: Ragnarok,Jojo Rabbit, andHunt for the Wilderpeople, which allowed the writer and director to play into his emotional and humorous stylings.Judge Dreddmay be on the more violent side than the director is known for, but it is said that he is a big fan of the comics, along with his friend and writer,Drew Pearce, who will be penning the script. Pearce has previously worked on scripts forMission: Impossible - Rogue NationandFall Guy.
Taika Waititi Has Surprised Before, And He Can Do It Again WithJudge Dredd
Readers ofJudge Dreddcomics and fans of past film adaptations know that violence plays a big part in the series. Waititi is best known for his emotional dramas and comedic talents, garnering fame with movies likeWhat We Do in the ShadowsandBoy. However, many thought the director was out of his depth when Marvel tapped him forThor.
Thor: Ragnarokboasts a bigger budget than the director had worked with before, and it was even a character he was more unfamiliar with thanJudge Dredd.Waititi still deliveredThor: Ragnarok, which many fans praise as one of Marvel’s best. He may have upset some withLove and Thunder, but he has more than proven he can handle big-name characters and action. He’ll just need to turn up the blood and tone down the humor. However, Judge Dredd is a character that works well with darker humor, which the director could easily bring to life. Waititi’sJudge Dreddadaptation is still a ways off, but further details will be forthcoming as the project develops.
