Darren Aronofsky's Robocop

When MGM first announced they were developing a Robocop remake, I was one of the few who thought it had potential. But when I heard they were thinking of making the project in 3D, I lost all hope. This would have probably result in a PG-13 theme park ride on the big screen. I mean, that's like making a PG-rated Beverly Hills Cop movie.

What some might not remember, RoboCop was originally given an X rating by the MPAA for scenes of "excessive violence." Paul Verhoeven trimmed blood and gore from the most violent scenes for an R rating, but the X-rated director's cut was later released by Criterion. I mention this because I want to establish that Robocop was not a kids movie, and was certainly not PG-13. My hopes for the remake have remained dead, until tonight.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that "director Darren Aronofsky among others has recently been in to discuss" the project. For those who don't know, Aronofsky broke onto the scene with the math thriller Pi, and made a name for himself with the adaptation of Requiem for a Dream. His films impressed top Hollywood brass, and at one point he was hired to develop a reboot of Batman, before Christopher Nolan took over the franchise. His take on Batman was said to be too Dark for Warner Bros' tastes. His 2006 film The Fountain was one of the best of that year, hailed by critics, but was horribly marketed and made little at the box office (it's worth noting that it wasn't an easy sell). He's currently in post production on The Wrestler which will attempt to do for Pro Wrestling what Rocky did for Boxing (you can read our script review here).

If there is anyone I trust with a reboot of Robocop, it would be Aronofsky. But the news is rather odd considering he's scheduled to direct Brad Pitt and Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter, based on the real life story of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward. Last I heard the film was scheduled to begin production in September 2008, which might not align with MGM's hope to have Robocop in theaters by 2010. But can you even imagine what Clint Mansell's kick ass score action might sound like? Also, Aronofsky has expressed his disdain for CG, which might mean more practical effects and model work.

Discuss: Can you think of a better director to remake Robocop?