Following the departure of Neill Blomkamp from the project, RoboCop Returns has enlisted Little Monsters helmer Abe Forsythe to direct. The project was first announced early last year with Ed Neumeier writing the script; Justin Rhodes and Michael Miner were later brought on board to rework the screenplay. It was also revealed that the story would be a direct sequel to the original RoboCop, completely ignoring RoboCop 2, RoboCop 3, and the 2014 reboot.
Last summer, Blomkamp had signed on to direct the movie as well. While he was attached, he had also described his intentions of making the film feel as though it were actually directed by Paul Verhoeven himself – the director of the first RoboCop. Blomkamp also said the sequel would even be using the same look for the RoboCop character as seen in the original, as opposed to a modern redesign like what we saw in the remake. Blomkamp would later announce his exit from the film’s production, sending MGM back on the hunt for a new director.
Off Robocop. I am shooting new horror/thriller and MGM can’t wait/ need to shoot Robocop now. Excited to watch it in theaters with other fans. N
— Neill Blomkamp (@NeillBlomkamp) August 15, 2019
RoboCop Returns should be in good hands with Forsythe at the helm. We particularly enjoyed his zombie flick Little Monsters, which starred Lupita Nyong’o as a zombie-slaying kindergarten teacher. Forsythe will also reportedly rewrite the screenplay, but the film is still being described as a direct sequel to the first RoboCop, so hopefully the filmmaker shares Blomkamp’s vision of sticking with the original RoboCop suit.
Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of RoboCop Returns. For now, you can quickly revisit the original RoboCop by watching a scene from the film below.
Synopsis: In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith) so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company’s nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.
Related Article: Neill Blomkamp Says RoboCop Returns Will Use the Original Suit