Dan Stevens to play RoboCop

Dan Stevens, known for roles in Downton Abbey and Beauty and the Beast, will portray Alex Murphy, also known as RoboCop, in a new Prime Video series. He has emphasized that the show will retain the original film’s violent and satirical elements.

Prime Video series details

The series, produced by James Wan, will consist of eight episodes and is ordered by Prime Video. Peter Ocko will serve as the writer and showrunner, while Wan will be involved through his company, Blumhouse Atomic Monster.

Original creators involved

Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner, the creators of the 1987 film, will act as executive producers. James Wan has also mentioned working with Paul Verhoeven, the original film’s director, though the specific role of Verhoeven in the project remains unclear.

Plot summary and challenges

The series will follow the original storyline, involving a powerful tech company integrating a highly effective robot into the police force, housing the consciousness of a deceased police officer, Alex Murphy. The 2014 remake with Joel Kinnaman did not achieve the same success, so this new version must convince fans that the character still has relevance.

Themes and relevance

Dan Stevens highlighted the series’ focus on extreme violence and satire, noting that the world created by Paul Verhoeven remains a strong platform for commenting on modern issues like the relationship between corporations and law enforcement. These themes remain relevant nearly four decades after the original film.

Production timeline

Prime Video has not yet announced a release date for the series, but filming is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.