Taika Waititi to Direct New Judge Dredd Film, with Drew Pearce Penning the Script | July 19

Past Judge Dredd films have, let’s be honest, strayed pretty far from the gritty tone and sharp satire that made the original 2000 AD comics so beloved. But this new version? Word is, it’s heading back to the source, embracing the world John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra built, with all the brutal justice, dystopian chaos, and biting political commentary intact.

It won’t be all doom and gloom, though. Waititi’s signature style, mixing heavy moments with just the right dose of offbeat humor, is expected to sneak in, creating a balance that feels both fresh and true to the spirit of Dredd. Think: hard-hitting action with just enough levity to make the darker stuff hit even harder.

A Bigger Plan: Say Hello to the “Dredd-Verse”

Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just a one-and-done film. The goal is to kick off an entire “Dredd-verse”, yep, cinematic universe alert. Think sequels, spin-offs, maybe even a streaming series if things go well. It’s clear the team isn’t just dipping their toes in; they’re diving deep.

With Drew Pearce, whose writing credits include Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and The Fall Guy, on script duty and co-producing, and Taika steering the ship (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit), the creative potential here is massive. It’s the kind of pairing that makes fans perk up and studios start circling.

Big Names, Big Buzz, and a Studio Bidding War

Right now, the film is being produced under Rebellion Developments (who hold the Dredd rights), along with Roy Lee, Jeremy Platt, Natalie Viscuso, and Pearce himself. No official studio is attached yet, but behind the scenes, there’s already buzz about a bidding war brewing. Considering the names involved and the built-in fan base, don’t be surprised if a big announcement drops soon.

A Reboot With Something to Prove

Let’s not forget: Judge Dredd has been here before. The 1995 version starring Sylvester Stallone, well, didn’t exactly win hearts (or critics). The 2012 Dredd, with Karl Urban, fared way better, earning cult status over time, but never got the sequel it deserved. This reboot has a chance to break the curse, finally giving Mega-City One’s toughest lawman the long-term cinematic treatment fans have been waiting for.

If Waititi and Pearce stick the landing, this could be the start of something huge. And honestly? We’re kind of rooting for it.