RoboCop (2014 film)

RoboCop (2014 film)

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2014 (2014)
Founder	José Padilha (director), Joshua Zetumer, Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner (screenwriters)
Headquarters	Toronto, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia; Hamilton, Ontario; Detroit, Michigan , Canada; United States
Products	Sci-fi action film
Parent	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing

RoboCop is a 2014 American sci-fi action film directed by José Padilha with a screenplay by Joshua Zetumer, Edward Neumeier, and Michael Miner. This film serves as a remake of the original 1987 RoboCop and represents the fourth entry in the RoboCop series. The lead role is portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, supported by Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael K. Williams, Jennifer Ehle, and Jay Baruchel. Set in the year 2028, the narrative centers on a detective who suffers severe injuries and is converted into a cyborg law enforcement officer, grappling with the conflict between his human identity and mechanical programming.

In 2005, Sony Pictures' subsidiary Screen Gems announced plans for a remake, which were subsequently postponed in 2006. Early development involved director Darren Aronofsky and writer David Self aiming for a 2010 release. After several setbacks, Padilha came on board in 2011. By March 2012, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, inheriting rights from Orion Pictures—the studio behind the original—scheduled an August 2013 release that was later shifted to February 2014. Casting took place between March and July 2012, with principal photography starting in September 2012 across locations including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as Hamilton and Detroit, United States.

Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing on February 12, 2014, RoboCop earned $242.6 million worldwide against a production budget estimated between $100 and $130 million. Critical reception was mixed, with many reviewers considering it less successful than its predecessor.

Plot

By 2028, OmniCorp revolutionizes combat through robotic peacekeeping drones intended for law enforcement use. CEO Raymond Sellars aims to market this innovation to American police forces; however, the Dreyfus Act prohibits armed drones on domestic soil. Facing widespread resistance, Sellars commissions Dr. Dennett Norton to create cyborg officers as an alternative solution. Norton emphasizes that only psychologically stable candidates are eligible, excluding some applicants.

Detroit detective Alex Murphy suffers critical injuries from a car bomb orchestrated by crime lord Antoine Vallon and is selected for conversion into a cyborg. Norton persuades Alex’s wife, Clara, to consent to the procedure. Upon regaining consciousness, Alex attempts to flee but is subdued and returned to the laboratory. The majority of his body is replaced with cybernetic components, preserving only part of his head. Distressed by his condition, Alex requests euthanasia; Norton convinces him to continue living for his family’s sake. During rehabilitation, Norton reprograms Alex to prioritize operational efficiency over emotional response, enhancing performance but diminishing his humanity.

Prior to his public introduction, Alex experiences an emotional breakdown; Norton suppresses these feelings through programming adjustments. At the unveiling event, RoboCop apprehends a criminal successfully, leading to a decline in Detroit’s crime rate and bolstering public support for repealing the Dreyfus Act. Sellars instructs Norton to restrict Clara’s contact with Alex.

Clara reports Alex’s recurring nightmares and emotional withdrawal. Motivated by this, Alex overrides his programming constraints to investigate files related to his attack and discovers Vallon was responsible. He eliminates Vallon and his associates before partnering with fellow officer Jack Lewis to target corrupt police officials, uncovering involvement from the police chief. When attempting her arrest, Alex is deactivated by Mattox.

With media assistance from Pat Novak, Sellars intensifies efforts to repeal the Dreyfus Act. Clara demands access to Alex; Sellars orders Mattox to terminate RoboCop and deceives Clara into believing that Alex has died. Norton reveals the truth to her as RoboCop escapes amid an initiated lockdown.

Alex combats OmniCorp drones while Jack and other officers defend against hostile forces. Mattox incapacitates Alex but is subsequently killed by Jack. On a rooftop confrontation, Sellars holds Clara and David hostage. Initially hindered by programming restrictions from arresting Sellars, Alex overcomes these barriers and kills him.

OmniCorp’s parent company OCP cancels the project following these events. The U.S. President vetoes legislation repealing the Dreyfus Act after Norton's testimony, much to Novak’s frustration. In Norton's laboratory, Alex's body is reconstructed as he awaits a visit from Clara and David.

Cast

• Joel Kinnaman portrays Alex Murphy / RoboCop, a young detective who becomes a cyborg following an explosion
• Gary Oldman plays Dr. Dennett Norton, the chief scientist at OmniCorp responsible for creating RoboCop
• Michael Keaton appears as Raymond Sellars, the CEO of OmniCorp
• Abbie Cornish takes on the role of Clara Murphy, Alex's spouse
• Jackie Earle Haley is Rick Mattox, a military strategist and drone operator who trains RoboCop
• Michael K. Williams acts as Jack Lewis, Alex's closest friend and former partner
• Jennifer Ehle features as Liz Kline, head of legal affairs at OmniCorp
• Jay Baruchel plays Tom Pope, the marketing director for OmniCorp
• Marianne Jean-Baptiste portrays Karen Dean, the chief of police in Detroit
• Samuel L. Jackson appears as Pat Novak, a presenter and proponent of mechanized law enforcement
• Zach Grenier is Hubert Dreyfus, a senator from Michigan
• Aimee Garcia plays Jae Kim, a scientist collaborating with Dr. Norton
• Douglas Urbanski acts as Durant, the mayor of Detroit
• John Paul Ruttan appears as David Murphy, son of Alex and Clara
• Patrick Garrow takes on the role of Antoine Vallon, a gang leader
• K. C. Collins portrays Andre Daniels
• Daniel Kash plays John Lake

Development

The initial announcement of a new RoboCop film came from Sony Pictures Entertainment's Screen Gems in late 2005; however, progress stalled by 2006. By 2008, MGM listed RoboCop among its upcoming franchises with a planned release in 2010. Darren Aronofsky was attached to direct alongside screenwriter David Self, but scheduling conflicts pushed the project beyond 2011. In 2010, MGM aimed to develop a 3D version inspired by Avatar (2009), yet financial difficulties and creative disagreements caused delays.

In March 2011, Brazilian filmmaker José Padilha, recognized for his commercial hits Elite Squad (2007) and its sequel, took over directing duties from Aronofsky. Joshua Zetumer, known for writing Quantum of Solace (2008), was enlisted to script the film. Padilha emphasized that this adaptation would reflect contemporary societal issues differently than the original 1987 film.

The movie was slated for an IMAX release in February 2014. Distribution rights were handled by Sony Pictures Releasing across North America and worldwide except in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, where distribution was managed by StudioCanal.

Pre-production

On April 12, 2011, MGM considered top-tier actors such as Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, and Keanu Reeves for the role of Alex Murphy/RoboCop in the remake. By June 16, 2011, promotional materials from the Licensing International Expo confirmed a targeted release in 2013 with Padilha directing. Other actors under consideration included Michael Fassbender, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Russell Crowe. On March 3, 2012, Joel Kinnaman was officially cast as the lead with an August 9, 2013 release date announced. Initially cast as OmniCorp’s CEO was Hugh Laurie, who later withdrew; he was replaced by Michael Keaton in August 2012. Roles initially eyed for actors such as Edward Norton, Sean Penn, Gael García Bernal, and Rebecca Hall were ultimately assigned to Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael K. Williams, and Abbie Cornish. In July 2012, Jackie Earle Haley joined as Mattox, the trainer of Kinnaman’s RoboCop character; meanwhile, Jay Baruchel signed on to portray OmniCorp’s marketing executive Pope. Longtime manager and producing partner of Oldman, Douglas Urbanski, took on the role of Mayor Durant.

The original RoboCop suit designed by Rob Bottin underwent redesigning into an all-black exoskeleton appearance that elicited mixed reviews and drew comparisons to Christian Bale’s Batman armor from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight series. Critics described this new design as "derivative," resembling kevlar armor more than Detroit steel; The Guardian highlighted its "scaly, insect-like" texture and noted that the traditional steel helmet was replaced by a fully blacked-out visor.

Before filming commenced, director Padilha confided to Brazilian filmmaker Fernando Meirelles that production faced numerous difficulties with many of his creative ideas being cut; he described it as "the worst experience of his life." Nevertheless, Padilha expressed excitement about the project during the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con. Principal photography began in September 2012.

Filming

The production took place across Toronto, various locations in Ontario, and Vancouver. Significant scenes were shot at the University of Toronto, which stood in for Detroit during RoboCop's unveiling sequence. Filming also occurred in Hamilton, Ontario, where streets were closed for nighttime shoots spanning five consecutive days starting September 24, 2012. MGM confirmed that portions of the movie were filmed in Detroit as well.

Music

The soundtrack was composed by Pedro Bromfman, who previously worked with director Padilha on the Elite Squad series. Sony Classical Records released the score digitally on January 31, 2014, followed by a CD release on February 4, 2014. The music integrates both acoustic and electronic elements to mirror RoboCop’s cyborg evolution. Bromfman utilized an 80-piece orchestra combined with synthesizers, digitally manipulating sounds and incorporating distinctive instruments such as the cuíca, berimbau, waterphone, electric drill, and hang. The composition also pays tribute to Basil Poledouris' iconic theme from the original 1987 film.

Additional tracks featured in the movie did not appear on the official soundtrack release.

Marketing

In early 2012, an OmniCorp website was launched, followed by a dedicated RoboCop film website closer to the film’s premiere. A rough cut trailer featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton was first shown at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con. Director Padilha initially planned for the first official theatrical trailer to debut alongside Elysium, but it was instead released online on September 5, 2013, and screened before Riddick. Two more trailers were subsequently released; one premiered on Yahoo! Movies, where Padilha discussed the film’s relevant themes surrounding automated violence in policing and military contexts. Late in 2013, two primary posters emerged, one featuring Madrid’s CTBA skyline. Television spots appeared on Sony Pictures’ and StudioCanal UK's YouTube channels starting January 2014.

Coinciding with the film’s release, a tie-in video game launched for Android and iOS. Jada Toys produced various action figures including a radio-controlled RoboCop with Police Cruiser as well as roleplay accessories like the RoboCop helmet and chestplate. In April 2014, Play Arts Kai introduced detailed collectible figures from both this reboot and the original movie. The company threezero created two RoboCop figures along with a camouflaged ED-209 model. Additionally, four limited comic tie-ins were published weekly during the US theatrical release week; these were later compiled into RoboCop: The Human Element to coincide with the home media launch.

Home media

RoboCop became available on DVD and Blu-ray in the United States on June 3, 2014 through 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and MGM Home Entertainment. An exclusive Metalpak edition was offered by Best Buy, while Target provided a version including a digital download of the previously unreleased comic "Gauntlet". In the United Kingdom, an Amazon-exclusive steelbook edition was released on June 9.

RoboCop Day

To promote the home media release, Detroit hosted "RoboCop Day" on June 3, 2014. The event featured appearances by RoboCop interacting with fans and included a ceremonial first pitch at a Detroit Tigers baseball game.

Box office

RoboCop debuted across 3,372 theaters in the United States, generating $21.7 million with an average of $6,430 per location, securing the #3 spot at the box office. The film accumulated $58.6 million domestically and $184.1 million internationally, culminating in a global total of $242.7 million compared to its production budget estimated between $100 and $130 million.

Critical response

Critical reception was mixed for the movie. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 49%, with reviewers pointing out that it did not substantially enhance the original film’s impact. Metacritic assigned a score of 52 out of 100 based on 41 critic reviews, reflecting "mixed or average" opinions. Audience feedback via CinemaScore resulted in a "B+" rating.

When measured against the 1987 original, the remake was often seen as inferior. Variety characterized it as less whimsical but effective and emotionally resonant; The Hollywood Reporter commended the ensemble and visual effects while noting a lack of the original’s sharp humor. SFX regarded it as a smart sci-fi drama and one of Hollywood’s more daring reboots.

On the other hand, Empire argued that the filmmakers failed to capture what made the first film distinctive; the Financial Times described it as a "heavy, unnecessary remake"; and The Guardian criticized it as a simplified action flick with superficial satire. Nonetheless, Mark Kermode of The Guardian awarded it 3 out of 5 stars for preserving important elements of political satire.

Nancy Allen, who appeared in the original trilogy, expressed disapproval of the remake as indicative of Hollywood’s dependence on reboots and lauded the original’s screenplay and creative team.

Cancelled sequel

On September 11, 2015, Den of Geek reported that Sony was working on a sequel, though those intentions were later abandoned.Template:Fix/category

Reboot

In July 2018, a fresh reboot named RoboCop Returns was unveiled, with Neill Blomkamp attached as director. This installment was planned as a direct continuation of Verhoeven's original film, disregarding both earlier sequels and the 2014 reboot. In August 2019, Blomkamp departed from the project to concentrate on a horror movie. By November that year, Abe Forsythe had been named director.

Following Amazon's acquisition of MGM in March 2023, RoboCop was identified as a key franchise for development. In April of that year, Amazon Studios revealed plans to develop both a new RoboCop television series and feature film project, with the series likely to premiere first.

See also

• List of films featuring drones

External links

• Official OmniCorp promotional website (archived)