featuring @amazonmgmstudios
After years of development, Amazon MGM Studios has officially greenlit a television series based on the legendary Robocop franchise. The show is being led by showrunner Peter Ocko and Blumhouse’s Atomic Monster, promising a fresh take on the beloved sci-fi universe.
The series plot centers on a powerful tech corporation that persuades a city to deploy a cutting-edge robot police officer—an android imbued with the consciousness of a fallen hero. This premise revisits the core themes of the original films, exploring issues of technology, identity, and corporate influence.
As reported by Deadline in April 2023, Robocop was among the first MGM titles slated for series adaptation following Amazon’s acquisition of the studio in 2022. Other properties in development include Legally Blonde, Barbershop, Stargate, The Magnificent Seven, Poltergeist, and Fame. While some projects like Pink Panther and The Thomas Crown Affair are heading for remakes, Robocop has taken a different route, becoming a series instead of a remake.
The project gained momentum in 2024 when veteran writer and producer Peter Ocko, known for Lodge 49, was tapped as showrunner and executive producer. Notably, horror filmmaker James Wan has also joined as an executive producer, bringing his expertise to the series. The Robocop adaptation is part of MGM’s expanding slate of IP-based series, following successful renewals such as the Legally Blonde prequel “Elle,” which was renewed for a second season, and Barbershop, both on Prime Video. Additionally, MGM is working on The Magnificent Seven for MGM+.
James Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett are producing the series through Blumhouse’s Atomic Monster, with co-executive producer Danielle Bozzone overseeing production. Importantly, Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner—writers of the original 1987 Robocop film directed by Paul Verhoeven—will serve as executive producers, ensuring the series remains true to the franchise’s roots.
Wan expressed his enthusiasm: “I’ve been a massive fan of Robocop forever, so helping bring this world to television is a dream. Paul Verhoeven’s creation in 1987 was ahead of its time, with themes about technology, identity, and corporate greed that are more relevant than ever. With Peter’s bold storytelling and our partnership with Amazon MGM Studios, we aim to honor what made the original iconic while making it fresh and relevant for today’s global audience.”
The Robocop franchise began with the 1987 film that follows Alex Murphy, a Detroit police officer who is fatally wounded and transformed into a cyborg law enforcement hero. The film’s success led to two sequels—Robocop 2 (1990), Robocop 3 (1993)—and a 2014 remake. The series is known for its sharp social satire, blending action with critique of corporate greed, privatization, and the impact of technology on human identity. Its themes remain particularly pertinent in today’s era of robotics and AI.
“Robocop has resonated with audiences for nearly four decades—not just as an action spectacle, but as a provocative reflection of our relationship with technology and power,” said Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television at Amazon MGM Studios. “Peter Ocko’s vision respects the franchise’s legacy while crafting a fresh, urgent narrative for today’s viewers. Paired with James Wan’s cinematic sensibility and Blumhouse’s expertise, we believe this series will captivate a new generation on Prime Video.”
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