The RoboCop remake is happening, and it’s time we all accept this. After many starts, stops, and a major director exit over the past few years, MGM seems to finally have their head in the game and a firm plan set in place. First it was announced that Jose Padilha, the director Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2, attached himself to direct, taking the place of long-departed original helmer Darren Aronofsky. (You might remember him back when he actually made movies, not just attached and detached from them at will.)
And now we’ve got news on a screenwriter; THR reports that MGM has hired Nick Schenk to work on the update to the classic 1980’s action movie. Writer Joshua Zetumer was brought on board already to pen the script back in March, so Schenk‘s involvement most likely seems to be of the “rewrite and retool” variety, as opposed to a fresh new screenplay. At least, that’s what I’m guessing; you never know with these things. Schenk is perhaps best known for writing 2008’s Gran Torino, starring Clint Eastwood.
With a summer start date being eyed by MGM, that begs the question: who is going to play RoboCop? MGM is hoping that Chris Pine will want to add another potential franchise to his resume, while Padilha has expressed interest in getting Michael Fassbender to sign on. Out of those two, my personal choice would be Pine; Fassbender is a far better actor, but for some reason, when I envision Pine in the role it seems to, well, fit. But, again, these are more “wishful thinking” ideas at this point, so there’s no telling what will happen. Now that MGM seems raring to go, however, maybe RoboCop will finally see the light of day… against the wishes and hopes of every RoboCop fan alive (myself included).
Who do you see best suited to play RoboCop? Do you think MGM will actually go through with the movie this time? Do you even want a RoboCop reboot?