Pete Travis’ Dredd is often regarded as one of the most underrated comic book adaptations of the 2010s, and it has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity since being added to Max. Based on the iconic character from Rebellion Development’s acclaimed comic book series, 2000 AD, the film stars Karl Urban as the formidable Judge Dredd. Set in the sprawling dystopia of Mega-City One, Dredd battles against a ruthless drug lord to bring justice to a tower block that has spiraled into chaos. With its thrilling narrative reminiscent of a cyberpunk version of Die Hard, Dredd amassed a significant cult following, despite its initial lack of box office success.
Following the renewed interest in Dredd on Max, the prospects of a sequel appear brighter than they have been in years. Although the original film underperformed commercially, the ongoing popularity of Karl Urban and the enduring appeal of the 2012 installment on streaming services underscore the demand for further cinematic adventures featuring this character.
Dredd’s Popularity on Max Reinforces the Case for a Sequel
The Demand for a Dredd Sequel is Evident
The resurgence of Dredd‘s popularity on Max indicates a strong public interest in a sequel, even thirteen years after its initial release. Its cult status illustrates that audiences are keen to see Karl Urban reprise his role as the iconic law enforcement officer in further action-packed narratives. Despite its performance at the box office, the film’s current traction on streaming platforms confirms that the character, and Urban’s portrayal, resonate with viewers.
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While Dredd functions well as a stand-alone film with a complete story arc, there are countless narratives within its universe waiting to be explored in a subsequent high-budget film or television series. The comic’s extensive background provides a wealth of material for future adaptations, confirming that the narrative potential for Dredd is far from exhausted.
An Exploration of Why Dredd 2 Has Yet to Materialize
Stalled Plans for a Sequel: The Rollercoaster Journey
In response to growing public enthusiasm, it was announced that IM Global and Rebellion Developments were developing a follow-up series, titled Judge Dredd: Mega-City One, back in 2017. As reported by IGN, the series was intended to depict a group of Judges navigating the complexities of a colossal megalopolis. However, production faced significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Rebellion Developments’ CEO, Jason Kingsley, addressed the status of Judge Dredd: Mega-City One in mid-2020:
“I want there to be a sequel. We’ve got the rights back so we can do it. We’ve just got to get rid of this virus thing that’s going on at the moment, and then hopefully things can kick off in all sorts of different areas of making film and TV. It’s just, it’s all very messed up at the moment for everybody. A lot of work has been done on all sorts of different scripts, actually. So Mega-City One, the TV show, basically we can’t go into production because of the [situation] and we’ve got scripts and everything is ready to go but the problem is, because of the [situation] and everybody’s funding changes and everyone’s shifting around.”
While the global pandemic has subsided, there has been minimal progress regarding Judge Dredd: Mega-City One. However, Kingsley’s previous comments indicate that the team remains prepared to resume production whenever possible, given that the scripts are already in place. Moreover, Karl Urban has voiced his enthusiasm for returning as Dredd, further bolstering hopes for the franchise’s continuation.
The Trending Return of Dredd: A Case for Future Sequels
Streaming Success: A Strong Indicator for Dredd 2’s Potential
It’s common for films to gain traction upon being added to streaming platforms, and the case of Dredd on Max is no exception. As a fusion of action and comic book genres, the film naturally appeals to a wide audience. The allure of Karl Urban, alongside his role in the current Amazon series The Boys, has further enhanced interest in the film. Urban’s upcoming portrayal of Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2, set to release in October 2025, is likely to elevate his profile even further.
Should Mortal Kombat 2 prove successful, it could significantly augment public interest in a potential Dredd sequel, particularly with Urban emerging as a prominent star. Alternatively, the conclusion of The Boys might free up Urban’s schedule, allowing more room for future projects related to Dredd. Any of these developments could catalyze a renewed push for Judge Dredd: Mega-City One.
The potential revival of the Dredd franchise, especially with Urban reprising his role, could not only restore the popularity of the character but also pave the way for additional adaptations set in his expansive dystopian universe. Although Judge Dredd may not possess the fame of many Marvel or DC icons, the performance of Dredd on Max highlights a dedicated fandom eager for more cinematic content featuring this unique character. This passionate following could be the crucial element needed to ensure that future film or television projects find success.
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