Rumblings started coming from the LA Times last week that director Pete Travis was facing some issues in the** Dredd** editing room and had been "asked to step aside". The news was leapt upon with glee by the fanboys who are perversely desperate for the film to fail, but Travis and screenwriter Alex Garland have now released a joint statement scotching the reports of Dredd's demise. Nothing to see here, perps. Move along.
Anonymous LA Times sources "close to the production" had reported that there were tensions and "creative disagreements" between the producers and executives in charge of rescuing Joe Dredd from the ignominy of the Stallone film. According to the story, writer/producer Garland (28 Days Later, Sunshine) was running post-production alone, and seeking a co-director credit for his efforts. Potential reshoots were also mentioned, with a question mark over who'd man the cameras for them.
But, say Travis and Garland now, "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 it's released next year."
The truth, or damage limitation? Are Travis and Garland the Reynolds and Costner of the 21st Century, or are they really the best of pals being misrepresented? We'll keep you updated on the drama.
Dredd, starring Karl Urban and Olivia Thirlby, shot in the Mega-City of Cape Town, and is out next September.