Originally kicking off in 1987, the RoboCop franchise has since become a staple of the sci-fi genre over the last four decades. Previously starring major names like Peter Weller and Joel Kinnaman, the story centers on a young police detective in a futuristic Detroit named Alex Murphy, who is brutally murdered by criminals and brought back to life as a cyborg in a dystopian city to be a ruthless law enforcer for a corrupt megacorporation. While the franchise has not been in the spotlight since 2014, it is time to deliver a new look at the fan-favorite hero.
In mid-2026, Prime Video shocked the world by announcing a reboot of RoboCop, a new eight-episode series being developed for streaming. This news came with the reveal that Dan Stevens, known for his roles in Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Downton Abbey (2010-12), would take on the role of Alex Murphy after Weller’s run in 1987 and 1989, Kinnaman’s performance in 2014, and multiple others taking on the role. Now, Stevens has broken his silence on taking over this iconic sci-fi hero in the days following the initial announcement.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Dan Stevens shared his first public comments about his upcoming performance in Prime Video’s new RoboCop series after being confirmed for the leading role of Alex Murphy. Calling the original 1987 movie “one of [his] favorite films of all time,” he recalled that being one of his first times watching “extreme violence and…satire.” He also shared that those elements are what he is most looking forward to bringing into this new series as it moves further into development:
“Oh my god, I mean, so many things. That original is one of my favorite films of all time. For me and so many of my friends, it was such an iconic movie; I think maybe one of the first exposures to extreme violence and also satire. I think that’s what I’m most looking forward to, hopefully preserving those elements.”
This show should allow Stevens a chance to deliver his most intense sci-fi performance to date, as he takes on a character he has loved for most of his life. Having thrived in past sci-fi projects like FX’s Legion series and Warner Bros.’ Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, this project will put him in one of the biggest roles of his career through a franchise that has a massive legacy in cinema history. Getting to explore Alex Murphy’s origin story in a new production, he will be able to explore the character more deeply than anyone has in his eight-episode series, which will only expand further if more seasons are ordered.
As of writing, the RoboCop series does not have an official production or release timeframe.
- Showrunner
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Peter Ocko
- Writers
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Peter Ocko
