Speaking with
MovieWeb while promoting the Blu-Ray release of
Dredd 3D, director Pete Travis comments on the possibility of a follow-up. Despite critical acclaim plans for a trilogy, the 2000 AD adaptation failed to even make back its $50 million budget, seemingly putting to rest any plans for a sequel. However, Travis believes that a sequel will happen. And even if it does, he reveals that he likely won't return to take the helm.
"I don't think so. I really hope there is a second one. I just feel very lucky to have been involved in the first one. It has been a great experience for me. I read Alex Garland's script two years ago, and I feel in love with it then. I have enjoyed the whole process of working on that with him, and bringing it to the screen. It was extraordinary. I hope they get the chance to make another one. I think Dredd is an extraordinary character. I think Karl Urban captured him so perfectly. I think there is a real beautiful future there."
He then discusses screenwriter Alex Garland's idea for a trilogy, and shares his thoughts on sequels in general.
"I think Alex Garland has a trilogy in his mind. I think there is a whole exciting journey in front of Dredd if Alex and Karl Urban get to take him on that journey. The future is really exciting for him. Especially in terms of going with some of the other characters from the comic book. Finding out more about where Dredd comes from. I also think its exciting, the possibilities. The first film does go all out as a visual feast. Whoever gets a chance to do the others willl take that, and make it even more exciting. I can't wait to see it. I don't really know how the sequel thing works, really. I hope they get another chance to make a second film. I think Karl Urban...He is Dredd. It would be really exciting for them to make another, and go further with that character. I sincerely hope so..."
Despite this, Travis isn't done with the comic book movie genre yet. In fact, he then reveals that he has been given a CBM script that he likes, and hopes that it will be made this year.
"I wasn't looking for a comic book movie when I found Dredd. Like I say, it was all about the script. There is another comic book script that I have been sent, that I quite like. I hope it might get made this year. I think comic books and graphic novels are exciting. I think there are tons of ways to make them more real. It's an area I am really excited about." Of course, he can't say what movie it is just yet.
"No, not at the moment. It is in the early stage." Finally, Travis is asked about the possibility of being up for the
Star Wars: Episode VII director's gig, since many helmers have passed on the opportunity.
"I wouldn't count out anything in this business, really. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Who wouldn't be interested in that? I loved it as a kid. I loved it while I was growing up. So, who knows?"
Would you like to see Pete Travis direct a
Star Wars film or another comic book movie? You can check out
Dredd 3D on Blu-Ray now.