Robocop Reboot Finds a New Director

Posted by on March 1st, 2011   Filed under: Action, Remakes, Sci-fi
Source: Deadline New York

With all the excitement surrounding the possibility of a Robocop statue in Detroit right now, it only makes sense that MGM is trying to strike while the iron is hot. Word on the street is that they are nearing a deal with someone to direct their upcoming reboot of the franchise, and that someone is Brazilian director Jose Padilha. Not quite a household name here in North America, Padilha directed the gritty cop thriller Elite Squad and its sequel Elite Squad 2, both of which made some serious coin in Brazil. He has also directed a handful of documentaries, including the acclaimed festival hit Secrets of the Tribe.

A couple of years ago, Darren Aronofsky was attached to direct a new Robocop movie, but the project eventually fell apart, possibly due to the studio’s insistence on making it a 3-D movie. While it would have been cool to see what Aronofsky would have done with the character, I think Jose Padilha is certainly an interesting choice for a replacement.

It’s still unclear if this movie will head into production anytime soon, however. They do not have a script, and will not pick a writer until they have secured a director. Hopefully they can plan it so that it will be ready just in time for the dedication ceremony of the new statue. Heck, even Peter Weller says that he supports the building of the statue… but does he support a Robocop reboot?



  • kyri

    Wow, that guy is really good I ‘ve been tracking his steps ever since his first Documentary. He is a GREAT choice.

  • kyri

    I wish I could unseen that video..

  • Derek McFarland

    At first I was hesitant, when I heard that they were planing on a reboot. I just loved the first 2 films (from there grittiness to there dark humor). Then when I had heard Darren Aronofsky was supposed to direct it; things started looking up (in my opinion)… not by much though, considering the fact that he’s never really done an action film; just eye candy dramas, with messed up endings. That made me kinda think about how Ang Lee’s Hulk movie turned out. But now… after watching both the first and second Elite Squad trailers, I am more confident than ever, to see a reboot done; by that director. As long as it will be rated R, I could most definitely see Jose Padilha, pulling off a hardcore Robocop film; in a gritty crime ridden, near future Detroit; in the same style as those Elite Squad flicks.
    Bring tha shit!!! =D

  • Pres Mony

    Elite Squad is awesome. I never thought Robocop was gritty though, the Robocop suit looks pretty stupid, even to the 13 year-old version of me watching it back in 1987. That first impression always stuck with me. I can never suspend disbelief with Verhoven’ sci-fi films, it’s always obvious when they’re on a soundstage, he doesn’t have poetry in his fingertips. Robocop with Padilha at helm? Winning.

  • auraldissonance

    Robocop is yet another nostalgic 80s hit that needs to remain in the 80s. It has little relevance and while I’m sure it would make some money, I just don’t see this taking off like it did back then.

    And I can almost guarantee the reboot will be rated PG-13 to allow the kiddies to go see it. Maybe they’ll give him a little robot dog as a sidekick. They could call him CHOMPS.

    :P

  • Derek McFarland

    @ Pres Mony
    How can you say that Robocop 1&2 weren’t gritty films. For one, the majority of Verhoven films have had articles written, about how hardcore his movies have been (Total Recall, Starship Troopers, Basic Instinct, and Flesh & Blood). You must a have gotten the movie confused with the shitty live action T.V. show; in the early 90’s.If the theatrical version wasn’t gritty enough, you can always check out the Criterion version (which was given an “X” rating.

    Two… Robocop has always had an “over the top, comic book feel to them; to begin with.
    And as for the suit…. It’s the same as in the original Frank Miller comic books, which is no cornier than Superman’s (red underwear) suit.
    Before you go knocking a cult classic, you need to know what you’re talking about. Now get off my website!
    You disgust me. ;(

    & @ auraldissonance… After watchin those Elite Squad trailers, Robocop better be rated R, or it won’t even be worth using Padilha as a director.

  • swarez

    @Derek
    Robocop wasn’t based on a comic book. So the suit isn’t the same as anything.
    Before you go defending a classic, you need to know what you’re talking about.

  • Derek McFarland

    @swarez
    Lol…I know that I was just kickin up ignorant dust, for the haters. I never even read the comics.

  • Derek McFarland

    @swarez
    And don’t be correctin, me fool! LOL