“Judge Dredd” is once again headed for the big screen, giving one of the most popular British exports to the world of comic book characters a second try at live-action movie success. News of a new “Judge Dredd” film being green-lit was announced this weekend on the message boards for 2000 AD, the British science-fiction anthology series that has been the character’s home since 1977.

“We can’t give away too many details at this point, but we’re looking forward to working with DNA Films to bring Judge Dredd back to the big screen,” wrote Rebellion/2000 AD CEO and Creative Director Jason Kingsley.

DNA Films (”28 Weeks Later” and “Sunshine”) is expected to kick off production of the new “Judge Dredd” in 2009. The character previously appeared in theaters in a 1995 film starring Sylvester Stallone that was ripped apart by comics fan and non-fan audiences on both sides of the pond.

The “Judge Dredd” series is set in a world of clustered, futuristic cities where law-enforcement officers (called “Judges”) serve as judge, jury and — in many cases — executioner of the city’s inhabitants. The character first appeared in the second issue of 2000 AD, and went on to become the publication’s longest-running series — no small feat, given that many of comics’ most successful creators began their careers there.

There hasn’t been any word on potential casting or plot for the film yet, but we’ll be sure to bring it to you once we hear anything.

Who would you like to see play Judge Dredd? Any storylines from the Dredd mythology you’d like to see on the big screen? Let us know in the comment section!