AceShowbiz - Karl Urban recently hinted at a strong desire to reprise his role as Judge Dredd, a character he portrayed in the 2012 film Dredd. In a recent interview discussing his latest project, Urban expressed enthusiasm for returning to the iconic role if given the opportunity.

Urban’s most recent work includes starring alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the Amazon Prime adventure film The Bluff, which features a compelling female lead and intense sword-fighting scenes. During a conversation with The Playlist, both Urban and Chopra Jonas shared insights about their experiences on set and their upcoming projects. It was during this discussion that Urban revealed his wish to revisit Judge Dredd.

In Dredd, Urban played a law enforcer in the dystopian city of Mega-City One, a harsh environment plagued by crime. Unlike many comic book heroes, Judge Dredd has no superpowers but relies on exceptional combat skills, marksmanship, and physical prowess to dispense justice. Urban described his time making the film as incredibly enjoyable, stating, “I would love to reprise that role in a heartbeat. I really would. I had so much fun making that movie.” He also added that while he hopes to be part of any future Dredd stories, he supports the continuation of the franchise regardless of his involvement.

Dredd earned positive reviews upon its release, holding an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Urban’s portrayal stood out alongside co-stars Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey. The 2012 film followed an earlier version of the character played by Sylvester Stallone in the 1995 movie Judge Dredd.

Excitement surrounding the franchise has been reignited following the July 2025 announcement that acclaimed filmmaker Taika Waititi will direct a new Judge Dredd film. The project’s screenplay will be written by Drew Pearce, known for his work on Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the upcoming film promises to adhere more closely to the original comic book source material than previous adaptations.

Taika Waititi is renowned for his unique approach to comic book cinema, having directed Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. His distinct style also shines through in projects like What We Do in the Shadows and the World War II satire Jojo Rabbit, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack. Fans are hopeful that his involvement will bring fresh energy and respect to the Judge Dredd character and storyline.

Whether or not Urban returns to the role, the combination of Waititi’s direction and Pearce’s writing has generated optimism about the future of the franchise. Urban’s recent and ongoing work includes the Amazon Prime series The Boys, which is slated to conclude with its final season airing in the spring. Additionally, The Bluff is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime, offering audiences a thrilling pirate adventure that showcases Urban’s versatility as an actor.

The legacy of Dredd as an underrated cult classic continues to grow, with fans eagerly awaiting new adaptations that honor the gritty, futuristic world of Mega-City One. Urban’s openness to returning to such an iconic role, combined with the creative team behind the upcoming film, suggests exciting developments ahead for the beloved comic book franchise.