IM Global and Rebellion, a UK-based games studio and the parent company for Judge Dredd publisher 2000 AD, have partnered to develop Judge Dredd: Mega City One, a live-action TV show. The show, which is intended to be an ensemble drama, will be set in a 22nd Century megalopolis on the East Coast of the United States.
Since the show is in the earliest stages of development, no talent or network affiliation were announced. Executive producers include IM Global’s Mark Stern (who developed Battlestar Galactica, Helix, and Defiance for Syfy) and Stuart Ford, and Rebellion’s Jason and Chris Kingsley.
The creation of John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra, Judge Dredd debuted in the second issue of 2000 AD in 1977. A law enforcement officer in a dystopian future United States that is dominated by a megacity and plagued by crime, the character has been enduringly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Judge Dredd first appeared on the silver screen in 1995’s Judge Dredd, a regrettably loose translation of the comic that starred Sylvester Stallone. In 2012, a faithful adaptation of the property starring Karl Urban as the titular character failed to deliver at the box office but has since developed a cult following. Judge Dredd has also appeared in video games and other games (see “‘Judge Dredd’ Joins ‘Munchkin’ Apocalypse’”).
Notably, 2000 AD recently hit its 2000th issue (see “Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, Kevin O'Neill, More”). In 2016, IDW partnered with 2000 AD on Predator vs. Judge Dredd vs. Aliens from John Layman (Chew), Chris Mooneyham, (Five Ghosts) and Judge Dredd veteran artist Glenn Fabry on covers (see “'Tarzan on POTA,' 'Predator Vs. Judge Dredd Vs. Aliens'”). The fourth issue is due the end of this month.