Joel Kinnaman may not be a household name like some of his peers, but over the past decade and a half, he's carved out a niche as one of the most dependable action stars in the business. From gritty crime thrillers to sprawling sci-fi epics, Kinnaman has consistently delivered solid performances. Earlier this year, he headlined the Netflix detective drama Detective Hole, based on Jo Nesbø's novel, which racked up millions of views before being unceremoniously canceled. Last year, he starred in the overlooked action thriller Icefall, a film that blended the intensity of John Wick with the survivalist grit of The Grey. That movie skipped a wide theatrical run and eventually landed on Prime Video after a brief VOD stint.
But it's one of Kinnaman's most infamous projects that's currently making waves on streaming. The 2014 RoboCop reboot, which also featured Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton, was a major misfire when it first hit theaters. The original RoboCop, starring Peter Weller, is a beloved sci-fi classic, and fans were skeptical of any remake. The 2014 version didn't win over critics or audiences, and its box office haul of $242 million against a $100 million budget was enough to avoid being labeled a total disaster, but not enough to launch a franchise. Now, over a decade later, the film has found a second life on Prime Video, climbing into the global top 10 in several countries. Despite its newfound popularity, critical opinion on the reboot remains largely negative.
Why the 2014 RoboCop Reboot Struggled
The backlash against the 2014 RoboCop began long before its release. When news broke that the film would ditch the original's R-rating for a PG-13, many longtime fans were immediately turned off. The decision was made to appeal to a younger demographic, but it only alienated the core audience that cherished the gritty, violent tone of the original films. The result was a movie that pleased no one, and it quickly faded from public consciousness.
Now, Prime Video is betting on the franchise again with a new RoboCop series, and Dan Stevens is set to take on the role of Alex Murphy, following in the footsteps of both Weller and Kinnaman. The streaming giant is clearly hoping to revive the property with a fresh take, and the renewed interest in the 2014 film might be a sign that audiences are ready to give RoboCop another chance.
For those curious about Kinnaman's take on the character, RoboCop (2014) is now available to stream on Prime Video. And if you're looking for more to watch, check out Prime Video's best binge-worthy shows this week or three must-see movies for late August. Stay tuned for more updates on Kinnaman's upcoming projects and the future of the RoboCop franchise.
