Judge Dredd Gets a Financier

For over a year now we've known that a new "Judge Dredd" movie is in the works. How likely it is that it would actually get made seemed very much up in the air. Today's news however, changes all that. Word from Cannes has it that Andrew Macdonald’s DNA Films has struck a deal with Reliance Big Entertainment and IM Global to finance the 3D comic adaptation for a $50 million price tag. That's not all, the scoop also tells us a new director is on board to adapt the script penned by Alex Garland. Read the full breakdown after the break...

Previously we've known that Alex Garland penned a script for the re-boot and Danny Boyle would be producing. For a short time, it was rumored that Boyle may actually direct "Judge Dredd" but alas he will only produce. Deadline reports that Pete Travis will step behind the camera to direct. Travis has previously directed 2008's Vantage Point and last year's Endgame.

I can't say that the choice for director excites me at all. I wasn't a big fan of either Travis' previous work and remain skeptical that he can do a worthwhile job on 'Dredd.' What this re-boot has going for it so far is a awesome producer, a talented writer and some stunning concept art.

Not many are fans of the original Judge Dredd starring Sylvester Stallone, but I am. It's not a great film, but its a lot of fun and pays respect to a different time when action movies strayed away from realism. Part of me really misses those days, while another part of me loves the hyper-reality that has come in so many remakes and current action films. I'm hopeful that "Judge Dredd" ends up a good flick, but for now, the jury is still undecided. Stay tuned for more news as it develops...

Source: Deadline