Well, it’s about fricken time! We’ve been talking about the developing Robocop series for years now. We’ve talked about it being developed, James Wan being attached to it, and Peter Ocko being a showrunner. Finally, we can report that the series is good to go for Amazon. We just hope Robocop hasn’t rusted in the meantime.
Past Failures and Original Success
The show isn’t reported to be a continuation of any of the films. When it comes to Robocop 3, that’s a good thing. Even the recent video game, Robocop: Rogue City, ignored that film. It carried on from Robocop 2 with the original actor, Peter Weller, reprising his role. That won’t be happening with the Amazon eight-episode series reboot. It’s a new Robocop for a new era. Ironically enough, being produced by a global powerhouse of a business.
The original 1987 RoboCop, written by Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner, is a stone-cold classic film. It mixes action with satire in a way that director Paul Verhoeven elevated to legendary levels. It’s a tough act to follow that has never quite been lived up to. The 2014 reboot didn’t quite get it done. Neither did the 1994 Canadian-produced TV series, eh? RoboCop is best when it’s being over the top with its violence and commentary.
The Core of Robocop
The latter of these is something that James Wan specifically wants to target with this upcoming series. “What Paul Verhoeven created in 1987 was decades ahead of its time, and its questions about technology, identity, and who corporations really serve have only grown more urgent.” He’s not wrong. He didn’t mention the intense violence, though. That’s something only the original film and the Rogue City video game accomplished. Hopefully they remember to include that.
Ultimately, we’re glad to see things actually coming together. Robocop doesn’t have a projected release date, nor do we have any casting developments. We are eager to see who they cast to fill the suit and arm with the Auto-9 handgun. In the meantime, stay tuned and “Thank you for your cooperation.”
