Aronofsky Could Be Moving Away From ‘Robocop’

Production going ahead on one of Darren Aronofsky’s passion projects could, potentially, cause issues with the director helming the ‘Robocop’ remake.   Sources for The Hollywood Reporter’s Risky Biz Blog claim that deals are still being ironed out, but ‘Black Swan,’ the supernatural thriller Aronofsky was planning on shooting next, could be closer to production than previously thought.‘Black Swan,’ which already has Natalie Portman attached as a New York ballerina who begins to have visions, could begin production as early as this Fall.   If that occurs, ‘Robocop’ could be delayed until mid-2010.   This could still be done with MGM still hitting their planned 2011 release date.   However, the studio could also move on from Aronofsky if they decide production on ‘Robocop’ needs to begin sooner.

Insiders are claiming the studio is “putting out feelers” for other directors to possibly come on board if an agreement with Aronofsky is not met.   MGM has cut back their number of releases significantly over the past, few years, and the studio was surely looking to ‘Robocop’ to be a tentpole movie in their upcoming slate.   The studio is also planning revivals for other, ’80s properties such as ‘Red Dawn’ and ‘Poltergeist.’   ‘Bond 23’ and ‘The Hobbit’ are also set for a planned 2011 release.   ‘The Hobbit 2’ is scheduled for release in 2012.

Aronofsky has not officially set up his next project after ‘The Wrestler’ opened to both critical acclaim and a $26-million domestic take.   That made quite a lot of money for Fox Searchlight, who it is looking will be the likely candidate to release ‘Black Swan.’

Source: Risky Biz Blog