Before we get to the fact that Star Trek star Karl Urban may be a candidate to play the title role in the upcoming Judge Dredd reboot, there are a few things to keep in mind. The plan this time around is to make a Dredd that is closer to the tone of the comics. Meaning something darker. That would hopefully mean no Rob Schneider, no plastic chest plates and no stiff Stallone dialog delivery. It also means that the title character — the tough futuristic crime fighting force on wheels — won’t be removing his mask. Maybe not, at least. I doubt they’d carry through on that.

With all of this in mind, I can’t see a reason why Urban wouldn’t work in the role. And I’ll explain why after the jump.

This rumor comes to us from Bleeding Cool, who seem very confident in their source. But whether or not there’s any truth to it is irrelevant, as we’re here to talk about the hypothetical. What we know is that the darker, more grounded version of Dredd is coming. And if Karl Urban is, as they say, of mind to accept the title role, he could make for an interesting choice.

First, Urban is a very good actor. He proved that by channeling Dr. McCoy of old and making him feel brand new in Star Trek. Second, in interviews that I’ve done with Urban, it’s clear that he is the kind of actor who only goes after quality roles. So for someone like him to put his stamp on Judge Dredd, it means that they would have one heck of a script. And that’s a movie I’d like to see get made. That, and Urban is the kind of actor who is really due to get something even more high profile under his belt.

What would you think of Karl Urban as Judge Dredd?