Taika Waititi is set to direct a new adaptation of the British comic book character Judge Dredd, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the story with a unique blend of dark humor and sci-fi elements. This announcement follows recent reports revealing that the film will be rooted in the original comic’s tone and world-building, promising a fun and expansive take on the iconic lawman.
A New Vision for a Legendary Comic Character
Judge Dredd, a long-standing figure from the 2000 AD comic strip, is preparing for a cinematic comeback under the direction of Taika Waititi, known for his work on Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit. The screenplay is penned by Drew Pearce, a British writer with credits including Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and The Fall Guy. Unlike previous versions, this version will embrace the dark humor and complex world that the comic is known for, moving away from earlier adaptations such as the 1995 Sylvester Stallone film and the 2012 Karl Urban-led Dredd.
Expanding the Judge Dredd Universe
This fresh take on Judge Dredd is described as a sci-fi blockbuster that has the potential to launch a shared universe, opening the door for additional films and television series. This new direction ends hopes for a continuation of the 2012 film or the previously planned Mega-City One TV show, a project initiated by the 2000 AD rights holder Rebellion back in 2017 but which has remained dormant for years. Rebellion’s involvement in the new film suggests that the earlier TV series has been set aside.
Implications for Taika Waititi’s Other Projects
The development of the Judge Dredd film leaves questions about how it will affect Taika Waititi’s other ventures, including his long-anticipated Star Wars movie, which has seen little progress since its initial announcement in 2020. Meanwhile, Waititi is currently in post-production on Klara and the Sun, starring Amy Adams and Jenna Ortega, and has recently been attached to direct the pilot for a Very Young Frankenstein series.
