Last week news arrived from the set of DREDD that Peter Travis (VANTAGE POINT), had been asked to step down from the director’s chair. Furthermore screenwriter Alex Garland (28 DAYS LATER) was to take over the production. But a statement from the production says this is nothing but an unfounded rumour:
Shooting has already been completed on the adaptation of the popular UK comic character but rumours stated that the director, Travis has not been involved in the post-production process with Garland taking over. There were no particulars released on why the parties came to a disagreement expect that Travis, the producers and executives did not agree on the footage at this point.
However Travis and Garland have released this joint statement:
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.
So don’t always believe what you read and that goes the same as the above. Okay there may not be as much turmoil has the rumours initially implied but its not a surprise that the production company would want an united front. Of course no one wants a new change up of creative control as it could turn the production into a complete mess. But if some other talent has been given the leads on the post it isn’t a unique case with many other Hollywood productions inserting a director or someone else to handle the edit. But we will just have to see next Autumn.
Source: LA Times