The latest on Jose Padilha’s ‘Robocop’ – concept art and featurette

"Robocop" Promotional Poster

THE MOVIE: Brazillian director Jose Padilha will be in charge of rebooting the Robocop series. He helmed a series of special ops-themed local thrillers known as Elite Squad, which is the currently biggest domestic hit in that country. The remake stars Joel Kinnaman (TV’s The Killing), Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, and Michael Keaton.

Updates: Dark Horizons notes that Padila’s take won’t rely on much on social commentary as the Paul Verhoeven version, and instead focus more on the sci-fi aspect of the films. Comingsoon has Padilha’s current angle with the direction of the story. Bleeding Cool has Padilha elaborating on the setting and themes in the film. Padilha apparently wants to go full Verhoeven on the social commentary. THR says Elite Squad’s Nick Schenk is involved with the script.

Joel Kinnaman spoke to MTV about his upcoming role as Robocop/Alex Murphy. He says the title character will be more grounded, more human and mentions the film will have a political satire to it. In addition, he states the robot suit is still in-progress and praises director José Padilha, calling him a “badass” and “the real deal”.

Beyond Hollywood has a teaser poster. Check out a new viral video, offering a glimpse of the ED-209. According to The Playlist, Fernando Meirelles, a friend of José Padilha says: “I talked to José Padilha for a week by phone. He will begin filming Robocop. He is saying that it is the worst experience. For every 10 ideas he has, 9 are cut. Whatever he wants, he has to fight,” Meirelles told South American web site Cinemacom Rapadura (via ScreenCrush).

According to comicbookmovie.com, MGM has found a replacement for Hugh Laurie. Michael Keaton has now joined the cast as the villainous CEO of Omni Corp. “Michael is the final addition to the amazing cast we have assembled for this film and it is so great to have the last puzzle piece in place. It is thrilling that everything has come together to bring this innovative new vision of RoboCop to life. We’ve got a great script, a great cast, some killer ED-209’s and I can’t wait to get Alex Murphy back on the streets,” said director Jose Padilha.

According to Latino Review, contrary to rumors, Jose Padilha is “happy” with the way things are going with his Robocop remake. Some new shots show Robocop trying to hide his robo-ness with a black trenchcoat in the suburbs. Meanwhile, here’s your first look at Robocop’s new suit, as well as a teaser poster. First images of Joel Kinnaman as Alex Murphy. Collider has a pack of new set photos, featuring most of the film’s main stars. Slash Film has a photo of Robocop’s bike. Collider has a pack of photos featuring Robocop on his bike.

Trouble continues for the movie as Sony/MGM have moved Robocop‘s release from August 9, 2013 all the way to February 7th, 2014. Rumors indicate this is all due to a poor script and that the film’s story can’t be salvaged without extensive reshoots. Meanwhile, Sony will delay Elysium, the new movie from District 9 director Neill Blomkamp, so they can release it in Robocop‘s old August 9th slot. I Am Rogue has a new batch of set photos featuring Robocop on his bike. Joblo has a very detailed and close-up look at Robocop’s new costume and bike.

BREAKING NEWS: Collider has a new featurette, with new images, concept art, plus commentary from Joel Kinnaman, director Jose Padilha and the creative team.