Jose Padilha’s RoboCop has been the subject of some recent pre-production PR gaffes, such as lead actor Joel Kinnaman telling MTV to expect this Robocop to be “more human” and that “you’re going to see his eyes.” While such changes might prove not to be so misguided in the context of the final film, the general idea of such a daringly classic film being remade in today’s studio environment has many fans of the original concerned. How can they possibly hope to match the original? While we won’t know the answer until we see the film, it’s a nice surprise to hear that there’s actually a pretty great supporting cast being considered.

While no deals have been reported as being finalized – we’re getting word that Edward Norton (Fight Club, The Bourne Legacy), Sean Penn (Mystic River, Milk), Rebecca Hall (The Town) and Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien) are being considered for roles. Norton, if cast, would actually be playing “Norton” – a key scientist behind the RoboCop program. Bernal would be playing Murphy’s former partner who begins hooking up with Hall (Murphy’s “widow”) after they both think he’s dead. Ouch! Penn is being considered for the role of “Novack”, a highly political right wing reporter.

Norton in particular is known for not being shy when it comes to tussling with studios over the quality of the product, if he is indeed cast hopefully he can be the type of creative heavy that keeps this thing from going totally off the rails.

Strike Entertainment partners Eric Newman and Marc Abraham are producing. Josh Zetumer wrote the script. Joel Kinnaman is in the lead role originated by Peter Weller. Sony will distribute the MGM film.

RoboCop will be released on August 9th, 2013.