You more than likely know what happened next, too.
The film won over fans, crashed at the box office, and chances of a sequel diminished.
Diminished, but never died.
How did you land the role of Judge Dredd in the first place?
Did you lobby for it?
The process of committing toDreddwas relatively simple.
I read a tight, action-packed, character-driven script written by Alex Garland.
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Shortly after that meeting I was offered the role ofDredd.
What do you recall about making the film itself?
Were the budget constraints you were working with evident?
The true budget ofDreddwas just under $30 million.
The film was both ambitious in nature yet contained.
We had numerous CGI and action sequences both are costly and time/labour intensive.
How does it contrast with, say, making aStar Trekfilm?
Fundamentally, the process of shooting a movie likeDreddis the same asStar Trek.
Obviously, the bigger the budget the more time and coverage you’ve got the option to afford.
How involved were you during the 18 months of post-production?
Did you keep in touch regularly?
How, in your mind, did the film alter during that period?
The post-production process was completed in London.
I saw a few versions of the film over the 18 month period.
Alex Garland was working with the editors, CGI techs and sound engineers to deliver the final cut.
Working with Alex Garland was one of the most creative and collaboratively rewarding experiences that I have ever had.
When did the realisation hit thatDreddwas going to struggle at the box office?
Was there a particular moment where that hit?
Alex Garland has gone on record to say thatDreddwas a Failure.
How does a movie with a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes fail?
Through zero audience awareness.
Nobody knew the movie was being released .Dreddrepresents a failure in marketing, not filmmaking .
Proof that the audience, once they became aware, wanted to see it.
What had been the plan at this stage with regards toDredd 2?
And what are your feelings on aDreddsequel now?
But its not an easy sell.
Im constantly blown away by the fan support and love forDredd.
Dreddhas definitely achieved a cult like status, I believe, likeBlade Runner.
It was ahead of its time, but not by much.
The recent success ofDeadpoolhas demonstrated a strong audience demand for R-rated graphic novel films.
Where do you stand on the idea of aDreddseries on Netflix or Amazon?
And how do you feel about the likes of the Make A Dredd Sequel campaign?
I think the best thing that fans can do is to continue be vocal about their support.
Organise more fan screenings ofDredd, thats one of the key factors that helpedBlade Runnerfind its true audience.
I would be blessed and it would be a privilege to make anotherDredd.
I feel so incredibly grateful to the fans of this movie.
Finally, whats your favourite Jason Statham movie?
Karl Urban, thank you very much!
it’s possible for you to find the Make A Dredd Sequel campaign on Facebook,here.
