We Americans have had a sad history with Judge Dredd. The hardcore lawman, first published in Britain’s sci-fi anthology comic 2000 AD in 1977, is probably the most popular U.K. comic book character ever. He’s been written by luminaries like Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, and Mark Millar. He is to British pop culture what Dirty Harry is to America’s: an uncompromising view of justice in a world that’s lost its way. And, most notoriously, Judge Dredd was adapted into the godawful 1995 Sylvester Stallone disaster, which marked the beginning of the end of Sly’s residence on Hollywood’s A-list.

The good news for lovers of Dredd, and dystopian sci-fi ass-kickery in general, is that Danny Boyle’s production company, DNA, is shepherding a new version of Dredd to the big screen, and they’ve engaged Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Sunshine) to write the script. And the cherry on top of this particular sundae is that British comics artist Jock (The Losers) is doing production designs, as he indicated in his Twitter feed.

All of which leads me to be hopeful for a new Judge Dredd movie — though I’d be more hopeful if Boyle signs on to direct. Where do you fall: eager, fearful, or don’t really care?

Photo Credit: Stallone: Everett Collection