Game of Thrones was a massive hit for HBO, running for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019. The series, which adapts the beloved book series by author George R. R. Martin, features an impressive cast of actors, many of whom are now best known for their work in the fantasy show. Most actors in the Game of Thrones cast, however, also have a variety of other titles on their resumes outside the land of Westeros.

One of the most villainous Game of Thrones characters, at least in later seasons, is Lena Headey's Cersei Lannister. Though Headey has also appeared in other movies like 300 (2006), Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), and Gunpowder Milkshake (2021), it's Cersei who remains one of her most iconic characters, and one of the most notorious TV villains in recent memory. Cersei isn't Headey's only despicable villain character, however, as the actor also starred in a 2012 sci-fi film as a truly deplorable individual.

Dredd Has Become A Streaming Hit

The 2012 Sci-Fi Has A Cult Classic Status

Dredd was a box office disappointment, grossing only $41 million worldwide, but it has since developed a cult following.

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New data from FlixPatrol now reveals that Dredd is finding renewed success on streaming. The sci-fi action movie ranks as the eighth most popular movie on the Max streaming service as of February 3, 2025, beating titles like Speed (1994) and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016). Dredd falls behind other titles like The ant (2016) and Your Monster (2024), with Goodrich (2024) claiming the number one spot. Check out the full top 10 list below:

Max Top 10 (Feb. 3, 2025)

1

Goodrich

2

Uncharted

3

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

4

A Different Man

5

The Dark Knight

6

Your Monster

7

The ant

8

Dredd

9

Speed

10

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

Dredd is based on the Judge Dredd comic strip by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquarra. It is the second movie adaptation following a poorly-received 1995 film starring Sylvester Stallone.

What Dredd's Streaming Success Means For The Movie

Will Dredd 2 Happen?

Lena Headey as Ma Ma in Dredd (2012) leaning on a gun

Dredd was made on an estimated budget of between $45 million and $50 million, meaning it may have been looking at a break-even point of at least $90 million. Clearly, the film fell far short of this goal and was a financial disappointment. Due to favorable reviews and positive sentiment from audiences, however, the film has taken on something of a cult status in the years since its release, winning viewers over with its graphic violence and stylish presentation. This cult status led to hopes for a Dredd 2.

Though the film was a bomb at the box office, it was reportedly a strong performer on home entertainment platforms, meaning hopes for a Dredd 2 remained alive for quite some time. Urban is also now a much more widely-known name due to his starring role as part of the cast of The Boys. Still, unfortunately, even with the latest streaming success, it seems unlikely that a Dredd sequel will actually happen due to just how poorly the 2012 film performed at the box office.

What It Would Take For Dredd 2 To Happen

A Sequel Would Need A Smaller Budget

Karl Urban as Judge Dredd and Olivia Thirlby as Judge Anderson in Dredd (2012)

For an action-packed sci-fi movie, a $50 million budget is fairly modest. This puts it firmly in the mid-budget movie space. If Dredd 2 were to happen, though, it would have to be made for even less. The first movie wasn't a major studio film, and the sequel likely wouldn't be either. Any financiers that backed a Dredd 2 would need a reasonable expectation that they will make their money back, and considering the first film made just over $40 million, this means the budget probably wouldn't exceed about $20 million.

The only problem with this is that it could be difficult to get a big-name director or star to sign on for a sequel to a film that was a notable failure.

Making a movie at a similar level to 2012's Dredd on a $20 million budget would be exceedingly challenging, and it would need even more limited locations and a more limited cast. Options to keep the budget a little higher, however, include bringing on board a big-name director or a big-name star. The only problem with this is that it could be difficult to get a big-name director or star to sign on for a sequel to a film that was a notable failure. Hence, Dredd 2 remains unlikely.

Urban's next big feature film will be Mortal Kombat 2, in which he plays Johnny Cage. That film hits theaters on October 24, 2025.

Our Take On Dredd's Streaming Success

Why It's One To Watch

Judge Dredd kicks down a door next to Judge Anderson in Dredd

Though another take on Dredd may arrive eventually, it probably won't be anytime soon. For now, though, it's clear that audiences are enjoying revisiting the 2012 film on streaming, and there's certainly lots to like. In keeping with Garland's other work, which includes 28 Days Later (2002) and Civil War (2024), Dredd features a tight and efficient script, with some compelling sci-fi themes grounding the action. Visually, Dredd looks different from other titles in its genre, boasting a bold color palette, some fun slo-mo sequences, and stylized action, all combining to make it not a movie to miss on streaming.

Source: FlixPatrol

Your Rating

Dredd
Release Date
September 21, 2012
Runtime
95 minutes
Director
Pete Travis

WHERE TO WATCH

Writers
Alex Garland