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Darren Aronofsky Update: RoboCop Delays, Black Swan Update

by Alex Billington
July 15, 2009
Source: Risky Biz Blog

Hollywood Reporter's Risky Biz Blog ran an article earlier today about filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and what he might be up to next. As we announced back in June, Aronofsky is attached to direct a ballet thriller called Black Swan with Natalie Portman attached to star. In addition to providing some updated details on the financing and development of that project, THR's Steven Zeitchik tries to figure out what's going on with the RoboCop reboot that Aronofsky has also been attached to since last year. With Black Swan potentially going into production later this year, RoboCop could get delayed or worse - Aronofsky could be replaced.

First off, Black Swan is still trying to get the funding it needs to even get made, which is shocking to hear considering how much acclaim The Wrestler received. Fox Searchlight will likely be the studio who ends up financing the project, but "a few budget and financing issues" need to be ironed out before they make the deal. Apparently other studios were "concerned about the budget for a project with prestige elements." I'm not sure why that would be an issue for someone like Aronofsky, who will spend every penny wisely, but that's not an issue for me to be concerned with. I'll be more than happy if he ends up at Searchlight again.

In regards to RoboCop, however, here's where things get a bit iffy. Zeitchik reports that "insiders in the rep community say the studio has also quietly put out feelers for other directors who could come on to RoboCop in case the timing doesn't work out." That is the smart thing to do, as it's a huge property for them, but I would hope they stick with Aronofsky in the end. I know I'm not the only one who was very interested in seeing what Aronofsky could do with a remake/reboot of RoboCop. Beyond that, I think he's one of the only directors that I would argue could potentially make a better movie than Paul Verhoeven's original.

The problem is that MGM has been hoping to make this RoboCop movie for a while, and with Aronofsky moving on to Black Swan first, they're getting concerned about delaying it once again. "Though it would be a tight fit, MGM could essentially hit the pause button until early-mid 2010, when Aronofsky is finished with Swan, and still make its 2011 release-date target." My feeling is that it has something to do with his vision of the movie not falling in line with what the studio wants. When will they realize this is Aronofsky, one of the greatest directors out, he won't screw this up! I really hope they stick with Aronofsky. Do you?

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Farris

I really don't want to see a RoboCop reboot unless someone like Aronofsky is directing. The original was pretty much perfect and only someone like him could actually make it better.
real talk

it's hard to top those 1980's effects though, theyre absolutely gorgeous someone like Aronofsky would offer an interesting take on that aesthetic, so i hope hope hope he get's to stay on board. too many films in this genre are overblown with ridiculous cgi these days. i think as much as cgi benefits cinema, it hampers it tenfold with a tendency to simplify imaginative visuals with that oh-so-common cgi 'gloss'. know what i mean? maybe i just have a bad case of nostalgia.
http://digaphobia.com Mark

#1 - Here, here.
dan

WHY REMAKE ROBOCOP???!!! that was a great movie........it DOESN'T need a remake. damn, I'M SICK OF REMAKES!!!!!!!!!
Matty

#2 i agree completely. if it doesnt have that nostalgic feel, then its gonna just be overblown eye candy with no point. if its a reboot, just do murphy's death scene justice, let zack snyder do his thing with gore LOL
toucmyinfection

if they do end up replacing Aronofsky, then i hope they go with JJ Abrams, i think he'd be able to pull it off... ;D
RollemSmokem

Read Black Swan and just tell me who the audience is...I can guarantee you Alex, that there is a reason why that film is having such a hard time finding financing. Especially from companies who mainly deal with foreign sales as a form of financing their film. Hopefully RoboCop will be that commercial film that will allow Aronofsky access to the cash flow he needs for his more artful films.
Blue Silver

Perhaps it's for the best! "Robocop" is such an classic that it shouldn't be tampered with! ****Alex, Aronofsky is talented but I seriously doubt he could top Verhoeven's version! I'm willing to bet on it!
http://www.galaxykid.net Johnny Neat

Something tells me Aronofsky smells shit in the water. He's a pro and wouldn't want to start waves but this sounds like warning Will Robinson for Robocop.
zetsu

make this film soon,or there will be trouble.
http://twitter.com/gimmesumsuga Mathieu

Alex - "I think he's one of the only directors that I would argue could potentially make a better movie than Paul Verhoeven's original." Not possible, mate. It's perfect as it is. He could have a very different kind of take on that character and concept which might be interesting, granted. DIFFERENT, not BETTER...
Shaun

This is insane!!! How can you make a better version than Verhoeven's??!?! The original and all it's subtle nuances and social layering (by which I mean that the action movie masses get a lesson in politics etc) are perfect and even though I'm into seeing Robocop back in action, to say it could be better than the original is ludicrous. But, other than that, I think he's an interesting choice....