Few directors in the history of the art form will ever have to choose between a passion project and resurrecting an 80s cyborg that fights crime. However, that may just be the choice that Darren Aronofsky has to make if scheduling for Black Swan gets in the way of reboot of Robocop.
Sony-owned MGM, which seems intent on bring back the 1980s for good by remaking Poltergeist and Red Dawn, is producing the return of the robotic cop and attempting a release in 2011. On the other side of the coin, Aronofsky is close to knocking out a deal for, Black Swan, the psychological drama of a ballet dancer in New York City starring Natalie Portman.
According to the Risky Bizness Blog over at The Hollywood Reporter, scheduling for that flick may make things itchy for MGM and their reboot. The Blog is quick to point out that MGM could hold off until Aronofsky is done filming Swan to start production on Robocop, but that it would be a tight schedule. But that shouldn’t be an issue for Aronofsky who, you know, takes forever to get the shots he wants. And to avoid the possible headache, the studio is quietly spreading the word that they might just want a new director.
This is one of those “insiders in Hollywood are whispering” sort of things, so take it with a shovel-full of salt. Even if it seems logical. And logistical for that matter.
It makes sense, but the door is obviously far from shut on Aronofsky doing both projects. In the end, he may not have to choose even if he ends up securing a deal with Fox Searchlight (who he worked with on The Wrestler) to produce his ballet drama.Hell, he could blend the two projects together and make a story about an up-and-coming ballerina who is struck down in her prime only to return as a cyborg who fights crime during the day and performs The Nutcracker Suite at night.
Speaking of which, there’s also still little word on how the Robocop reboot will be put together. I’m hoping for Jack Black to be cast and for Mos Def to do costume design.
What do you think? If Aronofsky can’t handle both, what director should take over Robocop?
