Those who had been slightly turned around on the decision to remake the sci-fi classic RoboCop thanks to the very impressive cast that had been assembled were again disappointed when it was announced that Hugh Laurie, who was once in talks to play one of the film’s villains, had departed the project. But now it looks like an equally appealing name will be stepping into Laurie’s villainous role.
It’s being reported that the great Michael Keaton has joined the cast, where he’ll play the not-so-friendly CEO of the company that builds RoboCop.
Keaton joins the excellent cast that also includes Joel Kinnaman as a cop who’s gunned down on the job and turned into a half man, half machine supercop, as well as Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, and Michael Kenneth Williams.
It’s unknown whether Laurie walked away from the role (he was apparently never officially signed on; just in talks) due to scheduling conflict or if perhaps the recent rumors of a miserable set factored into the decision.
Of the casting change, director Jose Padilha said:
“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.”
RoboCop is currently scheduled for release on August 9, 2013.
[Source: Deadline]
It’s a good choice. His best roles are when he’s playing a complete bastard. Beetlejuice, Pacific Heights, Clean and Sober.
Comment by Dave3 — August 30, 2012 @ 11:06 am