‘Dredd’: Petition Aims To Create A Television Sequel

In 2012, fans of Judge Dredd received the film. Ever since then, many have longed for a sequel. Now, a petition aims to give it to them.

Dredd Karl Urban

 

In 2012, fans of Judge Dredd received the film that many of them had wanted for quite some time. Not only did Dredd offer heaps of cinematic fun, but the titular character didn’t spend the bulk of the movie with his helmet off. It was a film that remained true to form, and looked good doing it. Ever since then, many have longed for a sequel. Now, a petition aims to give it to them.

This sequel would not take the form of a second film, but rather a television series. Rebellion Developments, the publisher of 2000 AD (the comic book that premiered Judge Dredd in 1977), is currently backing the Bring Back Dredd petition. This petition is the work of superfans Frank Palmer and Brian Ritchie, and specifically calls on companies such as Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime. Movie companies are mentioned as well, but the primary focus here appears to be on a TV series.

The petition itself explains the reason for this slight shift in medium thusly:

“With the success of series such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and The Man in the High Castle, the clamour of the growing fanbase for more from the incredible world of the 2012 DREDD movie cannot be ignored – we call on TV and movie producers to step up to the plate and give us more, either through a pay-to-view TV series or a new movie!”

Another possible reason for this shift is the fact that Dredd did not perform staggeringly well in the box office. Given the love it received from fans and critics, this may surprise some. Yet Dredd, created with a $45 million budget, only earned about $41.5 million during the course of its run in theaters. Creating a binge-worthy TV series would eliminate the need for box office success, as viewers would be able to watch from the comfort of their own home on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, or HBO GO.

As actors such as Karl Urban (who portrayed Judge Dredd in the film) applaud the efforts of the petition, Rebellion co-owner Jason Kingsley is voicing his own support.

“The decision to open out the campaign to include TV and films is a sensible one. Who amongst us wouldn’t want to see a Dredd series from Netflix or Amazon? I wish them all the best and thank them for keeping the faith. In the meantime, we’ve been doing—and will continue to do—all we can to give the fans what they want, which is more from the incredibly rich world of Judge Dredd.”

Palmer, one of the aforementioned superfans, has also spoken on the campaign and the extreme number of supporters who have backed it thus far.

“We’ve decided to take the fight to the TV producers who have done such good jobs with other comic book properties such as Daredevil and Jessica Jones. We call on all fans of Dredd to join 136,000 other people in calling for people with the vision and the finance to make it happen to step up and give us what we want. In the next few days we’ll be organizing activities so that people can lobby companies such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO, and show their support as we all say ‘Bring Back Dredd!’”

If you’d like to sign the petition, you can do so here. Those who sign up and click on the verification email will receive a link to a free digital download of Dredd: Underbelly, the 2013 sequel comic book to the film. No TV or movie studios have responded to the petition yet, but every supporter strengthens the case to bring viewers back to Mega-City One for another adventure in the world of Dredd.

Source: Wired

Heroic Staff

Heroic Staff

Heroic Special Activities Division Agent Trainee Program