What's with Robocop?

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Strike Back below!
by: Mike Sampson Jul. 15, 2009

As far back as November of 2008, I was hearing rumors that Darren Aronofsky's vision of ROBOCOP wasn't moving along as swiftly as people had hoped (and that, as a result, the director was losing interest). I was assured by some pretty rock solid sources that Darren was still actively involved in the project and that his duties promoting THE WRESTLER around Oscar time was his only setback. But now comes word that BLACK SWAN, the Natalie Portman ballet-set thriller, will be his next film and MGM is becoming concerned about the delays. How concerned? They're quietly looking for another director to come aboard.

MGM refused to comment on the rumor to The Hollywood Reporter and it's worth noting that Aronofsky is still very much attached at this time. The thinking is that MGM is willing to wait for Aronofsky to do BLACK SWAN as long as ROBOCOP is a top priority when he's finished. I see looking for a new director as simply a contingency plan in case BLACK SWAN hits delays or the development process for ROBOCOP just drags on far too long for their liking.

As I've said before, I love Aronofsky but I wouldn't be devastated if he dropped out of ROBOCOP. In fact, I'm happy that BLACK SWAN is coming together so quickly. But if Aronofsky was off, who would you want to direct a ROBOCOP remake?

Source: THR

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MickleyMclaren
10:41PM on 07/19/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'd prefer it if they just didn't remake it.
I'd prefer it if they just didn't remake it.
 
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Madge
8:13AM on 07/17/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
New guy...
There is this guy, what's his name again? Oh yeah, Paul Verhoeven. I think he could do this 'robocop' idea justice.....*cough cough* Execs are morons.
There is this guy, what's his name again? Oh yeah, Paul Verhoeven. I think he could do this 'robocop' idea justice.....*cough cough* Execs are morons.
 
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psycheoutsteve
3:22PM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
What's with Aronofsky gravitating towards bland subject matter all of the sudden? I mean, it may be too early to tell, but a film that's described as a ballet-set-thriller sounds really boring. Not that I would want him to do Robocop over Black Swan, but my interest isn't piqued over the latter film at all. Here's hoping Darren can make it great.

What's with Aronofsky gravitating towards bland subject matter all of the sudden? I mean, it may be too early to tell, but a film that's described as a ballet-set-thriller sounds really boring. Not that I would want him to do Robocop over Black Swan, but my interest isn't piqued over the latter film at all. Here's hoping Darren can make it great.

 
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Vlad99
10:58AM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Not Needed!
There is no reason to remake RoboCop regardless who directs it. Remake every single Dario Argento film first. If RoboCop HAS to be remade I'd like to see Alexandre Aja (High Tension, Mirrors).
There is no reason to remake RoboCop regardless who directs it. Remake every single Dario Argento film first. If RoboCop HAS to be remade I'd like to see Alexandre Aja (High Tension, Mirrors).
 
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Crimson_Kahuna
10:49AM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
If they drop him...
... bring in Michael Bay!!! So Robocop can 'splode some heads.
... bring in Michael Bay!!! So Robocop can 'splode some heads.
 
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originalcitrus
2:28AM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
he would never do it
love Aronofsky, my next choice would be Proyas. rewatch Robocop(Blu-ray) and then tell me it doesn't need or deserve a remake or at the very least a George Lucas re-touch. Peter Weller cannot be replaced. maybe Billy Crudup.
love Aronofsky, my next choice would be Proyas. rewatch Robocop(Blu-ray) and then tell me it doesn't need or deserve a remake or at the very least a George Lucas re-touch. Peter Weller cannot be replaced. maybe Billy Crudup.
 
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jmar
1:30AM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Only interest I had in this movie was Aronofsky. Sounds like he's falling out of love with it and has been for awhile now. If he's gone, hopefully they let it die. I'd rather see his talents somewhere else anyways.
Only interest I had in this movie was Aronofsky. Sounds like he's falling out of love with it and has been for awhile now. If he's gone, hopefully they let it die. I'd rather see his talents somewhere else anyways.
 
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Darin
12:30AM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Whatever happens...
I just hope they don't cast Christian "Raspy Voice" Bale as Robocop. I'd rather see Billy Zane play Robocop.
I just hope they don't cast Christian "Raspy Voice" Bale as Robocop. I'd rather see Billy Zane play Robocop.
 
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steve man
11:14PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
steve man
Micheal Bay should direct. He can have Optimus rip ropocops head of as the original sucked and this will suck even more.
Micheal Bay should direct. He can have Optimus rip ropocops head of as the original sucked and this will suck even more.
 
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philalva77
8:39PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Interesting when a director would rather make a movie about the ballet over an unneccesary remake of a cult classic, a big fuck you to hollywood in my eyes by Aronofsky.
Interesting when a director would rather make a movie about the ballet over an unneccesary remake of a cult classic, a big fuck you to hollywood in my eyes by Aronofsky.
 
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MrOperator
6:44PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
!
Nuke baby nuke!!! the drug of the future...!




.
Nuke baby nuke!!! the drug of the future...!




.
 
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machinelovers
5:39PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
ARONOFSKY FTW
if aronofsky was dropped, i would boycott this film.

and i'm saying that as a huge robocop fan.
if aronofsky was dropped, i would boycott this film.

and i'm saying that as a huge robocop fan.
 
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JohnnyPyke
5:28PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Rob Zombie - hes werid enough to make it diffrent, but gorey enough that it would bring the robo-piggy suit to a new high
Rob Zombie - hes werid enough to make it diffrent, but gorey enough that it would bring the robo-piggy suit to a new high
 
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The_DUDE_Abides
4:54PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I completely agree with everyone who feels that they should not remake Robocop. Great director or hack director, it doesn't matter...just don't do it!!!
I completely agree with everyone who feels that they should not remake Robocop. Great director or hack director, it doesn't matter...just don't do it!!!
 
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AmazSpiderman1
4:12PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
How about NO Robocop remake? How about that?
How about NO Robocop remake? How about that?
 
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hYPE
3:58PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Now let me say this about Aronofsky, if the girl wants run off and make a ballet movie with NPortman instead of doing Robocop, well folks that screams a lot of things. I rather find someone who wants to dedicate themselves to this film, rather then running away to make a fancy little "ballet set thriller" with whoever.

hYPE
Now let me say this about Aronofsky, if the girl wants run off and make a ballet movie with NPortman instead of doing Robocop, well folks that screams a lot of things. I rather find someone who wants to dedicate themselves to this film, rather then running away to make a fancy little "ballet set thriller" with whoever.

hYPE
 
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Axman58
3:52PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The first Robocop was a classic and doesn't need a remake. Can't Hollywood come up with anything original anymore? Enough with the remakes already. What's next? Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
The first Robocop was a classic and doesn't need a remake. Can't Hollywood come up with anything original anymore? Enough with the remakes already. What's next? Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
 
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Axman58
3:52PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The first Robocop was a classic and doesn't need a remake. Can't Hollywood come up with anything original anymore? Enough with the remakes already. What's next? Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
The first Robocop was a classic and doesn't need a remake. Can't Hollywood come up with anything original anymore? Enough with the remakes already. What's next? Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
 
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darkstrEam
3:24PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I have to say the idea of Aronofsky directing a new Robocop has always really appealed to me. I really love Robocop as a character and think the first two films were excellent. There's still so much scope for brilliant stories to be told about Robo, and a director or Aronofsky's calibre tackling it just really intrigues me, so personally I hope he stays attached to the project. That's not to sa...
I have to say the idea of Aronofsky directing a new Robocop has always really appealed to me. I really love Robocop as a character and think the first two films were excellent. There's still so much scope for brilliant stories to be told about Robo, and a director or Aronofsky's calibre tackling it just really intrigues me, so personally I hope he stays attached to the project. That's not to say another director couldn't do an awesome job with this, but I just think Aronofsky's take on this scenario could be something really worth seeing.
 
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TAE K
3:04PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
@joecala1
Del Toro already has like 10959832092 project lined up already. it would be cool, but def wont happen. i know he's busier than aronofsky at least.
Del Toro already has like 10959832092 project lined up already. it would be cool, but def wont happen. i know he's busier than aronofsky at least.
 
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TAE K
3:03PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I HOPE HE STAYS
Aronofsky was one of the main reasons i was soooo excited about this.

i loved robocop as a kid, and aronofsky's work as an adult. i really want to see what he does with it.

if not him, i'd like to see a director at his calibur. someone who can make this a serious drama with chracter driven blah blah.

though, zack snyder would be interesting. at lea...
Aronofsky was one of the main reasons i was soooo excited about this.

i loved robocop as a kid, and aronofsky's work as an adult. i really want to see what he does with it.

if not him, i'd like to see a director at his calibur. someone who can make this a serious drama with chracter driven blah blah.

though, zack snyder would be interesting. at least visually if nothing else.

something tells me it might go to uwe boll/michael bay/mcG though..

and that scares the crap out of me.
 
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joecala1
2:54PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Guillermo del Toro or maybe nolan ?
Guillermo del Toro or maybe nolan ?
 
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Sulaco
2:39PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cronenberg is a good choice, as stated below.
Cronenberg is a good choice, as stated below.
 
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anomaly7
2:33PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm a big Aronofsky fan, but I'm not entirely sold that he is right for this, if it happens at all. If I had to pick someone to replace him, Zack Snyder would be high on my list.
I'm a big Aronofsky fan, but I'm not entirely sold that he is right for this, if it happens at all. If I had to pick someone to replace him, Zack Snyder would be high on my list.
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ActionFan81
2:02PM on 07/16/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
ZACK SNYDER!!?!!?? You got to be joking! Robocop never ran so Snyder's Style of SLLLLOOOOOOOOWWWWW and THEALLOFTHESUDDENTHE ACTION SPEEDS UP wouldn't work.
ZACK SNYDER!!?!!?? You got to be joking! Robocop never ran so Snyder's Style of SLLLLOOOOOOOOWWWWW and THEALLOFTHESUDDENTHE ACTION SPEEDS UP wouldn't work.
 
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filmguy450
2:08PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Neutral Because...
this gives me hope that the new Robocop will be abandoned, and Black Swan sounds kind of neat.

Also, my friends were having this discussion, on a superhero poll Robocop is listed as number 6(I think). Is he superhero?
this gives me hope that the new Robocop will be abandoned, and Black Swan sounds kind of neat.

Also, my friends were having this discussion, on a superhero poll Robocop is listed as number 6(I think). Is he superhero?
 
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Cigarette Burn
2:01PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm still wondering about BLACK SWAN. A ballet thriller doesn't exactly fill me with anticipation. Still, it's Aronofsky, so I'll reserve judgment until I at least see a trailer.
I'm still wondering about BLACK SWAN. A ballet thriller doesn't exactly fill me with anticipation. Still, it's Aronofsky, so I'll reserve judgment until I at least see a trailer.
 
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luke319
1:35PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Two words:
David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg
 
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ActionFan81
1:14PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
leave Robocop alone
i'm with Stevemoto! Seriously there's nothing much to add on to the franchise mainly because the TV series messed up everything and the flying Robocop thingy in part 3 didn't help much.

Maybe do a Robocop Vs Terminator movie... I KNOW THE TERMINATOR has run its course but hear me out, the movie can be still be good if they use the comic book material and set the movie in a post-a...
i'm with Stevemoto! Seriously there's nothing much to add on to the franchise mainly because the TV series messed up everything and the flying Robocop thingy in part 3 didn't help much.

Maybe do a Robocop Vs Terminator movie... I KNOW THE TERMINATOR has run its course but hear me out, the movie can be still be good if they use the comic book material and set the movie in a post-apocalyptic Detroit (kinda like Lost they way they did with the "others") and Batman ooops, I mean John Connor has a cameo saying "This is John Connor. If you are listening to this,you are the resistance." then Robocop goes ONLINE (*cue dramatic music!*) and its ass kicking time.
 
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GioFace
12:21PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
if Aronofsky leaves Robocop, my only hope for this coming out decent leaves with him.
if Aronofsky leaves Robocop, my only hope for this coming out decent leaves with him.
 
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Stevemoto
12:12PM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Ummm....
How about nobody! This franchise doesn't need a remake, reboot, re-imaging, re-do, re-cut, retreading, resurfacing, or re-whatever they call it these days. Just make a sequel. If people need to know where Robocop came from go to f'n Netflix.
How about nobody! This franchise doesn't need a remake, reboot, re-imaging, re-do, re-cut, retreading, resurfacing, or re-whatever they call it these days. Just make a sequel. If people need to know where Robocop came from go to f'n Netflix.
 
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kdraines
11:33AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Never a fan of Aronofsky.
I've disliked every single one of his films. Yes, I've seen them all.

My choice for this particular flick would be David Fincher.

While I will wait and see what "Avatar" has to offer (I just don't give a damn about 3D), I have no more faith in Cameron. He hasn't done a decent movie since "The Abyss."
I've disliked every single one of his films. Yes, I've seen them all.

My choice for this particular flick would be David Fincher.

While I will wait and see what "Avatar" has to offer (I just don't give a damn about 3D), I have no more faith in Cameron. He hasn't done a decent movie since "The Abyss."
 
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Jakondelik
11:24AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hmm...
Neil Marshall would be interesting...or even Robert Rodriguez...Maybe?
Neil Marshall would be interesting...or even Robert Rodriguez...Maybe?
 
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Red4
9:49AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Neill Blomkamp and James Cameron are my favorite directors at the moment (James Cameron having always been). Oh, and even though D9 isn't out yet, I have seen a ton of Blomkamp's other work. So I would suggest one of them, but I also know they would never do it. A director whom I think might do it well is *drum roll*................ Paul Verhoeven.
Neill Blomkamp and James Cameron are my favorite directors at the moment (James Cameron having always been). Oh, and even though D9 isn't out yet, I have seen a ton of Blomkamp's other work. So I would suggest one of them, but I also know they would never do it. A director whom I think might do it well is *drum roll*................ Paul Verhoeven.
 
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Staying Frosty
9:21AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Well, my choices are...
McG, Ratner, Sommers, Bay or Schumacher...

nah, just kidding.. I like to see Alfanso Cauron do it.. but, I want him to direct everything...
Well, my choices are...
McG, Ratner, Sommers, Bay or Schumacher...

nah, just kidding.. I like to see Alfanso Cauron do it.. but, I want him to direct everything...
 
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filmaddict
8:02AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
BRING ON MICKEY ROURKE!
I firmly believe Aronofsky is one of the FEW directors who could do this remake justice. Look, I love the original and its typically Verhoeven satire. It's one of my favourite films of the '80s, by far.

However, there's potential that was never tapped by the sequels. Murphy's humanity and the exploration of the difference between man and machine. The first film left it all open w...
I firmly believe Aronofsky is one of the FEW directors who could do this remake justice. Look, I love the original and its typically Verhoeven satire. It's one of my favourite films of the '80s, by far.

However, there's potential that was never tapped by the sequels. Murphy's humanity and the exploration of the difference between man and machine. The first film left it all open with that haunting last exchange of dialogue and the flashbacks of his family, but of course the sequels missed the point and became graphic shoot-em-up turkeys.

Aronofsky has a great ability at tapping human dynamics, and I think he could do an excellent job presenting a grittier, less humorous take on the concept. One of the few reboots I'd actually look forward to.

And I'll get flamed for this, but at the top of my list for the role? Mickey fuckin' Rourke, man! Before you say he's too old -- who says the plot has to be identical? Maybe Murphy is an older cop, a veteran with a long track record, who gets butchered as an act of revenge from someone he put behind bars or something. Think about it: Rourke's a great actor, and his face would look fucking perfect in the suit, wouldn't it? And his last film with Aronofsky was amazing.

So yeah, I'm all for this film WITH Aronofsky attached. Without him, I doubt it would be more than another Terminator Salvation. In other words: pretty average, standard action crap. Not horrible necessarily, but pointless. I think Aronofsky could give it a point.
 
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Josh Tequila
7:59AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Shame
I was hoping Aranofsky would give Clint the score job too. I love the original Robo, so give me the job, I could direct the shit out of it. I've already relived my movie in my sad little mind.
I was hoping Aranofsky would give Clint the score job too. I love the original Robo, so give me the job, I could direct the shit out of it. I've already relived my movie in my sad little mind.
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filmaddict
8:04AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I feel ya. Mansell's score for this flick would be INSANE. I can picture everything about this film just working brilliantly...real dark, gritty, visceral, and not as camp as the original (and the original's camp worked for the type of film it was, but I think an alternate take with a more serious tone could be fuckin' brutal!).
I feel ya. Mansell's score for this flick would be INSANE. I can picture everything about this film just working brilliantly...real dark, gritty, visceral, and not as camp as the original (and the original's camp worked for the type of film it was, but I think an alternate take with a more serious tone could be fuckin' brutal!).
 
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annihilist
7:50AM on 07/15/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
How about no one. We scrap the whole idea of a remake and hail the original as the best version there can be. Sounds like a plan to me.
How about no one. We scrap the whole idea of a remake and hail the original as the best version there can be. Sounds like a plan to me.
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