Concept art for the Judge Dredd TV series offers look at Mega-City One

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

On Friday afternoon, IGN revealed an exclusive look at concept art from the forthcoming TV series JUDGE DREDD: MEGA-CITY ONE. While the images are merely a tease of what's to come, it's to note that they're quite detailed, and offer the best look at the development of the program that we've seen thus far.

The first image, entitled 'Democracy March', showcases the suspension highways of Mega-City One, in addition to emphasizing the over-crowded populace of the crime-ridden metropolis. If you look closely, you'll find a refurbished Statue of Liberty planted among the skyline of the futuristic urban chaos. For readers of the legendary IDW published comic book series, JUDGE DREDD, you might be quick to think that this is a reference to the events of the character's 'America' plot line – one of the most well-received stories in the series.

The second and final image we have to share with you today has been dubbed 'Lowlife Arrival', which depicts the bowels of Mega-City One. In the comics, the 'Low Life' arc followed a grouping of judges who patrolled the slums and darkest corners of Mega-City One. Will this be a theme found in the upcoming series? My proverbial magic 8-Ball says, "Outlook good."

Assuming that these visuals are a look at what's on the Judge's horizon, it would appear as if producer Jason Kingsley will be owning up to his intention of creating "multi-thread storylines, one of which will be Dredd’s but others which take us into the wider world of Mega-City One.” Additionally, while the show does not have an official home at the present time, it's been confirmed that DREDD star Karl Urban is in talks to reprise his role as the gruff, give-no-fucks upholder of the law. With regard to Urban's possible casting, Kingsley recently told IGN that, “We have been in discussions with Karl about his possible involvement in Judge Dredd: Mega-City One for some time. These conversations continue but we’re keen, he’s keen – it’s just a case of us making sure this show is everything we want it to be. This needs to be done right – the fans deserve it. Our team is working hard on scripts for the first season, creating engaging multi-thread storylines, one of which will be Dredd’s but others which take us into the wider world of Mega-City One.”

In responding to Kingsley's statement, Urban himself has said, "I am in discussions with them about that. I told them that if they write the material and give Dredd something to do and give him a function, I will be there. I would love to."

The crux of this whole situation is that, even if Urban straps on his Judge gear for another go, we likely won't be seeing the show for quite some time. For more about that, Kingsley had told IGN that his "best guess is that it's at least two years away. But we're so early in the process that things could happen a bit faster, or much more slowly." As much of a bummer as this is, it sounds as if the show will be worth waiting for, once all is said and done. 

Personally, I enjoyed the hell out of DREDD, and would welcome both a new show and Urban back to the role in a heartbeat. I also really dig the idea of the TV series not specifically focusing on Dredd at all times. This leaves room for other characters to share the spotlight, and as someone who's read a bit of the comic book series, there are plenty of personalities worth getting to know who work close by Dredd's armored side. 

We'll be keeping a close eye on this show as it develops, and be sure to bring you any updates as they arise. For now, why not treat yourself to a viewing of Pete Travis' DREDD, starring Karl Urban and Lena Headey?