So, which do you believe more: that a well-connected newspaper-affiliated blog caught the exciting whiff of a nasty production situation and fell victim to a string of bullshit overblown-gossip, or that a production in tailspin has reacted to a spotlight on their genuine debacle by having everyone shut up and play solidarity?

Frankly, I’d say it’s a coin toss.

Regardless, this definitely brings around full-circle the rumors that Dredd director Pete Travis had been kicked out of the editing room, and perfectly parallels them with the Stephen Sommer’s G.I. Joe business a few years ago. That situation blew over and resulted in exactly the kind of film you would have always expected, and perhaps now this will too. The production is certainly playing it hardline with their rebutting statement (via SuperheroHype):

“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.”

Again I could easily see this as a case of a production doing one thing a little different and it being blown out of proportion, as I could see a hushed up situation blowing up in their faces. There’s just no way to tell, though it’s always logical to assume incompetence in place of malice, and to depend on the answer forever lying somewhere in the middle.

The statement does quash the rumor that a writer and co-producer was seeking a co-director credit for his involvement in post-production, or at least indicate he’s been bought off the pursuit. Regardless, this will all blow over in about 6 hours and almost a year from now when the film finally comes out, all will be forgotten. Dredd will be able to fascist it up with a straight face and a clean slate (unless it sucks).

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