Dredd
A 2012 film adaptation of the Judge Dredd comic.
Dredd is a 2012 science fiction action film directed by Pete Travis, with Alex Garland handling writing and production duties. It adapts the *2000 AD* comic strip *Judge Dredd* and its title character, both created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. Karl Urban plays Judge Dredd, an officer empowered to act as judge, jury, and executioner within Mega-City One, a vast, dystopian metropolis set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Alongside his rookie partner, Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), Dredd must restore order to a 200-storey apartment block controlled by the drug lord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey).
Garland started writing the script in 2006, but the project—a new adaptation unrelated to the 1995 film *Judge Dredd*—wasn’t announced until December 2008. British studio DNA Films produced it, and principal photography, shot entirely with 3D cameras, began in November 2010. Filming took place on practical sets and at locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Released in the UK on 7 September 2012 and worldwide on 21 September, the film received generally positive reviews for its visual effects, casting, and action sequences. Criticism targeted its excessive violence and a perceived absence of the satirical elements present in the original comic. Despite the favorable critical response, Dredd earned just over $41 million at the box office against an estimated budget of $30–45 million. The theatrical performance made a sequel unlikely, though home media sales and fan campaigns backed by *2000 AD*’s publisher, Rebellion Developments, have kept the possibility alive.
**Plot**
In the future, the United States has become a radioactive wasteland called the Cursed Earth. On the east coast sits Mega-City One, a violent city of 800 million residents where 17,000 serious crimes are reported daily. The only force for order is the Judges, who combine the roles of judge, jury, and executioner. The Chief Judge assigns veteran Dredd to evaluate recruit Cassandra Anderson, who barely failed her aptitude tests but possesses powerful psychic abilities that could aid the Judges’ losing war on crime. Dredd warns Anderson that disobedience, incorrect sentencing, or being disarmed will mean automatic failure.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Pete TravisWhile Pete Travis was credited as the director, several sources credit Alex Garland with completing the film.
- Screenplay
- Alex Garland
- Based On
- Judge Dredd · John Wagner · Carlos Ezquerra
- Producer
- Andrew Macdonald / Allon Reich / Alex Garland
- Starring
- Karl Urban / Olivia Thirlby / Wood Harris / Lena Headey
- Cinematography
- Anthony Dod Mantle
- Editing
- Mark Eckersley
- Music
- Paul Leonard-Morgan
- Studio
- Reliance Entertainment / IM Global / DNA Films
- Distributor
- Entertainment Film Distributors (United Kingdom) / United International Pictures (South Africa)
- Released
- 11 July 2012 · San Diego Comic-Con · 2012 · 09 · 07 · United Kingdom · 2012 · 09 · 28 · South Africa
- Runtime
- 95 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Alex Garland began writing the script in 2006, though the development of a new Judge Dredd film adaptation, unrelated to the 1995 film Judge Dredd, was not announced until December 2008. Produced by British studio DNA Films, Dredd began principal photography, using 3D cameras throughout, in November 2010. Filming took place on practical sets and locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The film was released on 7 September 2012 in the United Kingdom and on 21 September worldwide. Critics were generally positive about the film's visual effects, casting and action sequences, while criticism focused on excessive violence and a perceived lack of satirical elements from the source comic. Despite positive critical response, the film earned just over $41 million at the box office on an estimated budget of $30–45 million. The theatrical gross made a sequel unlikely, but home media sales and fan efforts endorsed by 2000 AD's publisher Rebellion Developments have maintained the possibility of a second film.
Reader's Guide
Dredd is significant as a gritty, faithful adaptation of the Judge Dredd comic, stripping away the camp of the 1995 film. Its legacy lies in its cult status: despite modest box office returns, strong home media sales and persistent fan campaigns have kept hope for a sequel alive. The film is noted for its use of 3D cameras throughout production, its practical sets, and Karl Urban's performance, who never removes his helmet. The film's portrayal of Mega-City One as a violent, irradiated dystopia and its focus on the Peach Trees tower block raid became a touchstone for fans of the source material. The critical praise for its visual effects and action sequences, alongside criticism of its violence and lack of satire, defines its place in science fiction cinema.
Did You Know?
- Karl Urban insisted on performing his own motorcycle stunts for the film.
- The character of Ma-Ma was originally envisioned as a heavily made-up, scarred and obese older woman before Lena Headey was cast.
- The film was shot using 3D cameras throughout its entire principal photography.
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