Neill Blomkamp Directing ‘RoboCop Returns’

After being forced out of his Aliens sequel, Neill Blomkamp has taken it on the chin and moved on to another sequel project, RoboCop. Looking to spin the same formula as within Aliens, RoboCop Returns will be a direct sequel to the original film (not the remake), ignoring any iteration that cam after. In RoboCop’s case, that’s 2 film sequels, two TV series.

“Anarchy reigns and the fate of Detroit hangs in the balance as RoboCop makes his triumphant return to fight crime and corruption.”

Deadline broke the news with an exciting extra note, that original writers Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner are producing and executive producing. That’s so cool.

Blomkamp told Deadline

“The original definitely had a massive effect on me as a kid, I loved it then and it remains a classic in the end of 20th Century sci-fi catalog, with real meaning under the surface. Hopefully that is something we can get closer to in making of a sequel. That is my goal here. What I connected to as a kid has evolved over time. At first, the consumerism, materialism and Reaganomics, that ’80s theme of America on steroids, came through most strongly. But as I’ve gotten older, the part that really resonated with me is identity, and the search for identity. As long as the human component is there, a good story can work in any time period, it’s not locked into a specific place in history.”

Sounds like the film is in good hands. He continued…

“What’s so cool about RoboCop is that like good Westerns, sci-fi films and dramas, the human connection is really important to a story well told. What draws me now is someone searching for their lost identity, taken away at the hands of people who are benefiting from it, and seeing his memory jogged by events. That is most captivating. The other thing I am excited by is the chance to work again with Justin Rhodes. He has added elements that are pretty awesome, to a sequel that was set in the world of Verhoeven. This is a movie I would love to watch.”

The original film, about a ‘Cyborg Police Office’, grossed over $50 million and got three Oscar nomination including a win for Best Sound Effects Editing. It’s a beloved 80’s property and I’m sure Blomkamp will do everyone, including us 70s & 80’s Kids, proud! 

Blomkamp…. “You’re move Creep!”