Joel Kinnaman’s $130 Million ‘RoboCop’ Reboot Becomes Surprise Hit on Streaming

More than a decade after its underwhelming theatrical debut, the 2014 *RoboCop* reboot starring Joel Kinnaman is finding new life as a streaming success. Despite being labeled a franchise-killing misstep, the sci-fi action film has recently surged in popularity on Prime Video, ranking as the fifth-most-watched movie in the United States as of July 15, according to FlixPatrol.

This unexpected rise in viewership puts *RoboCop* ahead of big-name titles like *Nosferatu*, *Fast Five*, *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, and *Twisters*. Topping the chart is the new action-comedy *Heads of State*, featuring John Cena, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Still, *RoboCop*’s sudden resurgence proves that even critically mixed reboots can find a second life in the digital age.

A Costly Reboot With Big Expectations

Directed by Brazilian filmmaker José Padilha—best known for his acclaimed *Elite Squad* series—the 2014 version of *RoboCop* was produced on a hefty $130 million budget. Despite its star-studded cast, which included Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Abby Cornish, and the late Michael K. Williams, the film only managed to gross just under $250 million globally. This modest performance fell short of rebooting the franchise as studios had hoped.

Critically, the film received lukewarm reviews and currently holds a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some praised its modernized visuals and cast, many critics and fans felt it lacked the satirical edge and gritty tone that made Paul Verhoeven’s original 1987 version a cult classic, which still holds an impressive 92% on the same platform.

Kinnaman Reflects on RoboCop’s Missed Opportunity

Joel Kinnaman, who portrayed the titular cyborg law enforcer, has previously reflected on why the film failed to connect with audiences. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Kinnaman suggested that simply using the “RoboCop” name may have set unrealistic expectations for fans of the original. “We didn’t fully take into account what RoboCop was for the fans,” he admitted, acknowledging that more respect for the franchise’s legacy might have helped its reception.

Streaming Gives RoboCop a Second Chance

Although *RoboCop* didn’t ignite a new franchise, both Padilha and Kinnaman have continued to enjoy successful careers. Padilha went on to executive produce Netflix’s hit series *Narcos*, while Kinnaman took on key roles in DC’s *Suicide Squad* and *The Suicide Squad*.

Now available on Prime Video, the 2014 reboot is reaching a broader audience and proving that even divisive reboots can find appreciation over time. Whether fans are revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, *RoboCop* appears to be finally getting the recognition it missed upon release.

Source: Collider