Davison, Neumeier, and Verhoeven discussed the project at Culver Studios' Mansion House. Verhoeven wanted to direct it as a serious film; and to explain the tone they wanted, Neumeier gave him comic books, including "2000 AD", featuring the character Judge Dredd. Neumeier and Miner wrote a third draft based on Verhoeven's requests, working through injuries and late nights; this 92-page revision included a subplot involving a romantic affair between Murphy and Lewis. After reading it, Verhoeven admitted he was wrong and returned to the second draft, looking for a comic-book-on-film tone.