Summary

• The RoboCop reboot lacked originality and innovation, straying from the groundbreaking elements that made the original so beloved.
• The reboot failed to capture the dark humor and biting satire of the original, diluting its socio-political commentary and losing its charm.
• The lack of star power and a PG-13 rating, combined with a release at the wrong time, contributed to the film's failure to generate significant buzz and box office success.

RoboCop still holds up today, with a huge $100 million budget, the new iteration aimed to reinvigorate the franchise for a modern audience and become the beginning of a new series, boasting advanced CGI, fresh faces, and a modern spin on the tale of a cybernetic law enforcer. However, the film's release told a different story.

Despite the hype, the reboot didn't strike a chord with audiences and critics alike. The box office numbers were dismal, and many were left wondering what went wrong. The film made $242 million against a budget of $100 million (via Box Office Mojo), and factoring in marketing and exhibition costs, the movie would have left theaters still in the red. Was it simply not the right time for a RoboCop revival, was the whiplash-inducing difference in tone from the original, or the negative impact of modern action movies that led to the movie's failure? Unfortunately, the lack of a RoboCop reboot sequel is a result of all of the above.

8 The RoboCop Reboot Lacked Originality

The original RoboCop was groundbreaking; its narrative presented a unique blend of man and machine, touching on the human condition and the cost of technological advancement. Every element, from the design of RoboCop himself to the intricacies of the storyline, was fresh, innovative, and unlike anything audiences had seen before. In stark contrast, the reboot seemed to stray from this path of innovation. Instead of diving deeper into the complexities of the character and the dystopian world, the film appeared to reshape RoboCop into a mold reminiscent of modern superhero films. What made the original RoboCop great was its deviation from traditional hero archetypes.

7 The RoboCop Reboot Lacked The Original’s Dark Humor & Satire

The 1987 RoboCop is smarter than it seems and is more than just a sci-fi action film; it's a biting satire on corporate greed, media influence, and society on the brink of moral decay. The movie's dark humor, juxtaposed against its violent backdrop, provided audiences with moments of levity while simultaneously making sharp critiques of its socio-political themes. This blend was a crucial element of its charm and appeal. However, the reboot seemed to sidestep this nuanced approach. Instead of maintaining the razor-sharp wit and satirical undertones, the reboot leaned more towards straightforward action, diluting the rich subtext that made the original so compelling.

6 The RoboCop Reboot Lacked Star Power

A significant draw for many classic films lies not just in their storylines but in the magnetic performances of their lead actors. The original movie featured Peter Weller as the titular character, and his iconic performance has been etched in cinematic history. The RoboCop reboot, however, missed out on capturing the same charisma. While it had its fair share of talented actors in ing roles, it lacked the heavyweight star presence that can often elevate a film and generate significant buzz. Joel Kinnaman is a great actor in his own right, but he isn't a box office draw, and he couldn't elevate the lackluster dialogue into something compelling or engaging.

5 The RoboCop Reboot Was Rated PG-13

The original RoboCop was a visceral experience, unapologetically embracing its R rating with intense scenes of violence, gore, and mature themes, which became one of its defining features. Though Kinnaman said RoboCop would be R-rated (and subsequently got into trouble for it), the studio opted for a PG-13 rating to attract a broader audience and boost box office numbers, but it had a reverse effect. This choice sanitized much of the franchise's edginess, stripping it of the grit and boldness that fans of the original loved. Without the liberty to delve into more graphic content, the film felt neutered, losing the visceral punch that made the original so impactful.

4 The RoboCop Reboot Was Released At The Wrong Time

Release dates can significantly influence a film's box office performance, and the decision to release the RoboCop reboot on Valentine's Day was puzzling. While the idea might have been to provide counterprogramming to the typical romantic fare of the holiday with its action, the release strategy was ill-suited for RoboCop. It worked for Deadpool because that R-rated action movie was also a comedy, it heavily featured romance, and it starred Ryan Reynolds, who is known for his romantic comedies. For RoboCop, being released during a period traditionally reserved for love stories led to confusion and resulted in competing for attention in a saturated market.

3 The RoboCop Reboot Lacked The Social Commentary Of The Original

The brilliance of the original RoboCop wasn't just in its violent action sequences or groundbreaking special effects; it was in its layered and astute social commentary. Set against a backdrop of a deteriorating Detroit, the film offered a searing critique of corporate malfeasance, the erosion of civil liberties, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. This narrative depth prodded audiences to think, to question, and to reflect on societal trajectories, whereas the reboot seemed to gloss over these profound thematic explorations. While it touched upon some societal issues, the treatment was superficial, lacking the depth and nuance of the original.

2 The RoboCop Reboot Was Too Reliant On CGI

Technological advancements in cinema have undeniably transformed the way stories are told on screen. However, with these advancements comes the risk of over-reliance, sometimes at the expense of storytelling and emotional connection. The RoboCop reboot fell into this trap. While the original thrived on its use of practical effects, lending a tangible, gritty realism to its world, the reboot leaned heavily on CGI for its visuals. Instead of enhancing the narrative, the CGI often became a distraction, being an over-polished, digital veneer that stripped away the franchise's raw, organic feel.

1 The RoboCop Reboot’s Budget Gave Audiences Impossibly High Expectations

Budgets often serve as a double-edged sword in the cinematic landscape. On one hand, a substantial budget can provide filmmakers with the resources to craft visually stunning masterpieces. On the other, it sets the bar high for audience expectations. The RoboCop reboot, with its staggering $100 million budget, was caught in this very predicament. When audiences hear of such a substantial investment, they anticipate a film that will redefine cinema, pushing boundaries both in of storytelling and visual spectacle. Despite the polished aesthetics, the RoboCop reboot fell short of delivering those impossibly high expectations. The mismatch between expectation and delivery ended any chance of RoboCop 2.