Danny Graydon

Via Twitter, comic book artist Jock (The Losers, Green Arrow: Year One) posted up the first image of actor Karl Urban (The Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Star Trek) as Judge Dredd:

Now, this is just a costume test, so there will doubtless be plenty of refinements, but as a glimpse of the visual direction they’re pursuing, there’s lots to be encouraged (and relieved) by in this shot. Clearly, they’re being loyal to the general Dredd look, while infusing a bit of realism in there, judging by the dual body armour plates that are strapped to Dredd’s chest. Notably, Dredd’s oversized,  yellow/gold left shoulder pad has been considerably scaled down and the right-hand eagle-shaped one is not there (which is not to say it won’t be…). However, The Lawgiver is pretty much dead on – imposingly bulky, as it should be – as are the knuckleduster-studded gloves and the helmet (which may be a teensy bit big…).

Speaking of the helmet: the one thing we do know is that Urban will not be removing Dredd’s throughout the film – a major complaint of the much-maligned Sly Stallone version from fifteen years go – so the other pleasing element of this shot is that Urban’s jawline and mouth certainly fit the bill…! I’m looking forward to Urban growling “I AM THE LAW” before ruthlessly blowing some perp away with a little “Hi-Ex”…