Just a few days ago, the forthcoming reboot/new vision on “Dredd” became the subject of some ugly advance word. Reports surfaced that director Pete Travis was effectively being locked out of the editing bay, that reshoots were possibly in the works and most surprising of all, that writer Alex Garland (“Sunshine,” “28 Days Later“) was leading the charge behind the closed doors to get the film put together and was even going to see a co-director credit for his effort. The news was dispiriting for a film that promised fanboys an R-rated gritty take on the hero, but in a statement to 24 Frames released by Garland and Travis, they say everything is fine, without addressing any of the specifics surrounding the post-production of the movie at all:
During all stages of the filmmaking, ‘Dredd’ has been a collaboration between a number of dedicated creative parties. From the outset we decided on an unorthodox collaboration to make the film. This situation has been misinterpreted. To set the record straight, Pete was not fired and remains a central part of the collaboration, and Alex is not seeking a co-director credit. We are all extremely proud of the film we have made, and respectfully suggest that it is judged on viewing when its released next year.
The cagey tone of their response is interesting, as the only thing it confirms is that Travis’ name will be kept on the film as the sole director. The biggest elephant in the room is whether or not Travis is actually involved in shaping the footage he’s shot, or if, as some sources told 24 Frames last week, he’s “keeping up with progress via the Internet.” Whatever is going on behind-the-scenes, the filmmakers are keeping a united front, but you can bet when the movie inevitably hits Comic-Con next summer, the Q&A will certainly be…interesting.
Starring Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey, “Dredd” becomes the law on September 21, 2012.
