ROBOCOP Remake Signs Gary Oldman to Play Lead Scientist

Robocop, a remake of the 1987 sci-fi/action film that features a cybernetic law enforcement officer who patrols the streets of Detroit, is currently in development at MGM Studios and will be directed by José Padilha.

In a dystopic & crime ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg with submerged memories haunting him. His directives are clear: serve the public trust, protect the innocent and uphold the law. He is Robocop.

Robocop and his human counterpart Officer Alex J. Murphy, originally portrayed in the 1987 film by Peter Weller, will be brought back to the silver screen with director José Padilha (best known for his Tropa de Elite/Elite Squad action film series). Josh Zetumer (Quantum of Solace, Untitled 4th Entry to the Bourne franchise) wrote the first draft of the script, and screenwriter Nick Schenk (Gran Torino), who is also working with Padilha on the action thriller Tri-Border, is handling rewrites. Joel Kinnaman, most known for his role in the new AMC crime thriller The Killing which is prepping to enter it's second season, will play the dual role of Murphy/Robocop.

Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Dark Knight Rises) is the latest addition to the cast. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he will play the role of Norton, "the scientist who creates Robocop and finds himself torn between the ideals of the machine trying to rediscover its humanity and the callous needs of a corporation."

Robocop is prepping to begin production later this year in Toronto; it is tentatively scheduled to be released in theaters during the summer of 2013.