‘Dredd’ Series Reportedly in the Works at Amazon with Karl Urban Returning

Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly exploring a new television series centered on the iconic comic book character Judge Dredd, with Karl Urban potentially returning to the role he played in the 2012 film. Sources suggest the project is in early talks, with Amazon keen to capitalize on Urban’s popularity following his standout performance in The Boys.

The 2012 Dredd movie, despite its modest box office performance of $41 million worldwide, gained a strong cult following for its gritty, faithful adaptation of the comic. It earned $13.4 million in North America and $27.6 million internationally, with the UK being a key market, grossing $6.9 million.

The film’s critical reception was solid, holding an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its intense action and loyalty to the source material. However, its marketing was widely criticized, with Urban himself noting it suffered from “zero audience awareness.”

Rebellion, the owners of the Judge Dredd intellectual property, has long sought to expand the franchise. In 2018, they planned a TV series titled Judge Dredd: Mega-City One, even purchasing a warehouse to convert into a studio. Urban was in discussions to star.

Now, Amazon’s interest could breathe new life into the franchise. Insiders claim the studio sees Urban as a major draw, stating, “Karl Urban, his name has gone through the roof over at Amazon. They like him very much. They really do put down his character in The Boys as one of the main reasons why that show succeeded.”

The proposed series would reportedly stay true to the comics’ dark, serious tone, with Urban potentially having significant creative control. “And I’m hearing that conversations have already started about reigniting some sort of Judge Dredd project starring Karl Urban. That again, it will be a very true to the comic books, but it will go a lot further than they were able to do with the Dredd movie limited by budget basically,” we could hear on Tachyon Pulse Podcast.

The production team behind The Boys is said to be involved, “I’m hearing, actually, that the production team around The Boys are the ones that will potentially be doing it.”

The project is still in its infancy, with discussions around securing a writer underway. An announcement is unlikely before 2026, possibly following the conclusion of The Boys’ fifth and final season. Urban’s schedule appears open, having recently wrapped Mortal Kombat 2 and set to appear in The Boys’ spinoff Gen V.

This potential series could finally deliver the expansive Judge Dredd story fans have long awaited, unhindered by the budget constraints of the 2012 film. For now, fans can only hope Amazon and Rebellion align to bring Urban back as the uncompromising lawman of Mega-City One.

A Judge Dredd series with Karl Urban is an exciting prospect. The 2012 film showed his ability to embody the character’s stoic intensity, and a series format could explore the dystopian world in greater depth. Amazon’s involvement, with The Boys’ team, suggests a commitment to gritty, character-driven storytelling.

However, Rebellion’s cautious approach is understandable—protecting the IP ensures the character’s essence isn’t diluted. What do you think about a new Judge Dredd series? Are you excited for Urban’s potential return, or do you have concerns about how it might turn out? Share your thoughts in the comments below.