ROBOCOP Remake Aiming For A PG-13 Rating

Director Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 classic RoboCop was noted for its excessive use of violence and gore to punch home some of the film’s satirical jabs. Just don’t be looking for something similar in the upcoming remake from director Jose Padilha.

Total Film has tweeted a quote from an unidentified person connected to the film addressing what the rating that the film is aiming for.

'We're shooting this movie to be seen by as wide an audience as possible, which means PG13' don't expect excessive gore in Robocop #SDCC

— Total Film (@totalfilm) July 19, 2013

This is an unfortunate turn of events, especially since Padilha’s Elite Squad films don’t pull any puches when it comes to the violence department.

Now it is understandable that a film would try to maximize its potential audience. With the amount of money studios are investing in projects, especially ones like a RoboCop film, it is only natural to try and do everything to make a return on that investment. However, a film like RoboCop has a certain reputation and it strikes me that to tone down the gore blunts the edge of the original’s satiric intent. If you aren’t willing to embrace many of a film’s elements that you don’t think will lend to profitability then perhaps you shouldn’t be remaking the film at all.

The RoboCop remake lands in theaters on February 7, 2014.