It appears that the writer of the original Robocop is not only excited about the prospect of another film – he wants to direct! We get the scoop from our friends at MTV:
“I would love to make a ‘Robocop’ movie,” declared Ed Neumeier, the original screenwriter of Paul Verhoeven’s classic before comic creator Frank Miller took over scripting reigns for the film’s sequels. If police officer Alex J. Murphy does head back to Hollywood, Neumeier — who went on to write “Starship Troopers” 1 and 2, and is directing the third — promises that he’s the man for the director’s chair. “I actually have a lot of ideas about what we could do with Robocop now,” he told us. “I think he’s a very vital character at the moment.”
While MGM has yet to approach him to work on the project, according to Neumeier, he’s just happy to see his baby back in the spotlight. “Listen, ‘Robocop’ to me is kind of like having a kid. If it keeps going, it’s like ‘Now he’s in grad school. Now he’s got a big job at a Fortune 500 company.’ So that’s cool. They’re going to do a good job on it, I’m sure.”
Robocop was on TV last week and I watched it with great satisfaction. It’s one of the greatest films ever made in my opinion and stands tall on my top 10 list. I’m dead set against a remake, the film is perfect the way it is and I have no desire to see the original bastardized. I would however welcome a sequel, and earnestly hope they can get Peter Weller back on board. To pick up the story of Robocop 20 years on would kick serious ass.
I can see why Ed Neumeier would want to direct this; but I would prefer if he just wrote the film and let Paul Verhoeven back in the saddle. The team up was fantastic the first time out and with luck, magic will strike again. This legendary character still has many more stories to tell and deserves another outstanding film. The second was alright, but a far cry from the first and I still refuse to see the third.
The first Robocop had outstanding actors giving the performances of their lives. It dealt with the problem of corporate power, corruption and the dangers of privatization. Robocop reminded us that in an age of increasing mechanical dependancy, we must struggle at times to remember what it is to be human. The film ends with justice being served and Robocop once again sure of who he is; Murphy.
