Admittedly, I don’t know too much about Judge Dredd beyond the Sylvester Stallone film from the 90s. After watching it I wasn’t very interested in exploring the character any further. This is the effect one bad adaptation can have on what I’ve learned is one of the most popular characters in comics. In a recent Empire ranking Dredd came in at number seven, ahead of The Joker!

So far it seems the new film, Dredd is on the right course, but don’t take my word for it. The LA Times’ Hero Complex sat down with one of Dredd‘s creators, John Wagner. This is some of what he had to say about the new film:

“The plot is about Dredd and his world. It’s impossible to cover every aspect of the character and his city – perhaps that was one of the failings of the first film; they tried to do too much and ended up with not a lot. “Dredd” homes in on the essential job of judging – instant justice in a violent future city. I like the actors, they’re well cast and they handled their parts well. Olivia Thirlby is perfect as Anderson, the young psi judge. She gives the character a touching vulnerability. Karl Urban will not remove his helmet and will not kiss his costar.”

When asked about the old film he didn’t exactly pan in, but he did say he didn’t think the film’s story was a good fit for the characters.

Dredd is directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point) from a screenplay by Alex Garland. The comic was created by Wagner and Carlos Exquerra. It comes to theatres September 21.

What really has me hopeful for Dredd is Garland. I think he’s easily one of the better writers working in the business right now, and he’s written some great genre films like 28 Days Later and Sunshine. If you get a chance, pick up his novella Coma, its a very good read.

Apparently Rob Schneider will not be appearing in this new version. Do you think Dredd even has chance without his magnetizing screen presence?

SOURCE: LA Times’ Hero Complex