Prime Video gives the go-ahead to a RoboCop TV reboot

If you thought we were done rinsing classic 80s sci-fi for all it's worth, guess again. Prime Video is having another go – this time with a full-on reboot of RoboCop, the 1987 original that's as much blood-soaked satire as it is cult action flick. Amazon has officially given the green light for their RoboCop series, so let's break down what’s on the table – because this one could actually be worth watching.

Fresh Start (Sort of)

The new RoboCop isn't dropping as yet another limp sequel – this is an eight-episode series, aiming to turn the iconic film storyline into proper long-form TV. The pitch? A shady tech giant sells the idea of putting a robot (with the consciousness of a popular dead copper, naturally) on the city’s police force. So, yes, it’s the familiar existential crisis and dystopian capitalism all over again, just tailored for our present day – which, let's be honest, makes the story more relevant (and probably more uncomfortable) than ever.

The RoboCop reboot was first reported in development back in 2023, but Amazon has actually had it cooking ever since they bought MGM in 2022.

Who’s in Charge?

This isn't some rushed job with a revolving door of showrunners, either. Peter Ocko – whose CV is stacked with smart, oddball science fiction – is attached as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. That’s the same team Amazon had when work started; no sign of creative turnover so far. On the production side, James Wan (yes, Aquaman and Saw James Wan) is serving as executive producer alongside Michael Clear and Rob Hackett via the Blumhouse offshoot Atomic Monster.

There’s also been some rumour-mongering that Wan himself could direct some of the key episodes, which could make things a bit spikier than your standard reboot. If you’ve seen his work – from low-budget horror classics to tentpole blockbusters – you’ll know he’s not shy about a bit of gore or social commentary either.

What They're Saying

Wan, for his part, is not exactly hiding his enthusiasm. He said it’s a 'dream' to resurrect RoboCop for TV, and made it clear the show's going to take on the same big questions about 'technology, identity, and who corporations really serve' that made the 1987 original more than just another robot movie. He namechecked Ocko’s 'distinctive vision and bold approach to storytelling,' and pointed out the plan is to both honour what made Verhoeven's film a classic, and push the franchise in a modern, more global direction.

• Title: RoboCop (TV series)
• Platform: Prime Video
• Episodes Ordered: Eight
• Showrunner: Peter Ocko
• Executive Producers: James Wan, Michael Clear, Rob Hackett (Atomic Monster)
• Development Started: 2022 (directly after Amazon acquired MGM and its IP stash)
• Latest Big Project for Wan: Executive producer, The Backrooms (A24); directed Aquaman, Malignant, Saw