A Dredd Sequel Isn’t Off The Table According To Karl Urban

When Dredd 3D blasted its way onto cinema screens last year, it was the blood-drenched movie adaption that fans had been demanding, particularly in the wake of Sylvester Stallone’s tepid rendition in 1995. Gleefully violent, satirical and loaded with visceral special effects, the film won over fans and critics in equal measures. And yet, in recouping only $35 million from a $45 million budget, Dredd 3D was deemed commercially underwhelming and any continuation of the series seemed less than likely. However, in an interview with Collider, Karl Urban hinted that a sequel may still be on the table.

Here’s what the New Zealand actor had to say:

“Interestingly enough, I did have breakfast with Alex Garland this morning. It’s not off the agenda. Clearly everyone has woken up to the fact that an audience has found this movie and loves it. It’s entirely possible, and if people want to see another instalment then they should be vocal about that, because, it can happen. The power of fandom can resurrect projects. In fact, that’s what happened with Star Trek. They weren’t going to do a third season until fans did a letter writing campaign and they continued that series.”

He may be able to act as judge and jury, but right now, it would seem that the power is invested in the fanbase for whether or not a sequel to Dredd will ever be executed. Given the humble budget of the first film – at least in comparison to other comic book adaptations in Hollywood – and the wealth of raw material at disposal, it’s easy to imagine a follow-up taking up a similar cult-like mantle.

We know that Pete Travis won’t return to direct, however, screenwriter Alex Garland reportedly has the framework for an expansive trilogy in mind. The eponymous law enforcer has carved out a niche audience of comic book followers since 1977, and with stalwart characters like Judge Death and even the Dark Judges ripe for adaption, it’s easy to empathise with the audience who would support such a continuation.

Ultimately, the fate of the franchise rests in the hands of the loyal fanbase and given the M.O. of a typical studio, the only way to garner attention is to vote with your wallet. But what’s your opinion? Do you think there’s potential to kickstart – yes, pun intended – a potential sequel to Dredd 3D? Let us know your thoughts below.