Sci-fi fans can start their day with a big helping of the “RoboCop” remake starring “The Killing’s” Joel Kinnaman and directed by José Padilha (“Elite Squad”). “Robophobics” need not apply.
The newest trailer features all the robo-action from the previous one, plus a longer look at the flag-waving capitalistic minds behind the RoboCop program, played by Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton and Jennifer Ehle. We are shown that American-made tank-like robots (presumably updates of ED-209) are already deployed throughout the world “keeping the peace,” but have yet to be used in the U.S. itself due to “robophobia.” That’s where the cybernetic RoboCop program — and dying officer Alex Murphy (Kinnaman) come in.
It also stars Gary Oldman, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Jay Baruchel and Michael Kenneth Williams.
Besides a few stray lines here and there (“thank you for your cooperation”), the remake appears to be steering clear of simple duplication of Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 original version that featured hard-boiled action alongside a bleakly hilarious satirical vision of a privatized America.
The new trailer emphasizes the remake’s CG action and Robo’s slick new black look, although Kinnaman eventually pops up in a silver suit that looks a bit more like the one worn by Peter Weller in the original.
“RoboCop” opens February 12, 2014.
Watch the trailer below. Are you excited for the remake, or will you stick with the original?: