Peter Weller, the legendary actor known for his iconic portrayal of RoboCop, has revealed the intriguing story of how he secured the role that would forever define his career.
RoboCop, a franchise spanning over three decades, has faced numerous attempts to reboot and capitalize on its monumental success.
However, it remains a challenge for audiences to envision anyone other than Peter Weller as the iconic cyborg lawman, whose movements rival those of Michael Jackson in his prime.
Even with the 2014 reboot, starring Joel Kinnaman as Alex Murphy, receiving its fair share of praise, it struggled to convince viewers that Weller’s shoes could be filled by another actor.
Weller’s embodiment of the role extended beyond the original movie, with him reprising it in a sequel and lending his voice to the video game adaptation, RoboCop: Rogue City.
While his voice and face have become synonymous with the franchise, Weller recently shared an intriguing detail about how he convinced the filmmakers that he was the ideal choice to portray Detroit’s gunslinging officer.
This revelation serves as a reminder that missed opportunities are often the result of not taking chances.
Paul Verhoeven’s Vision: Why Peter Weller Became RoboCop
Paul Verhoeven, a highly innovative filmmaker known for his unique style, crafted cinematic classics such as RoboCop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers.
In an interview with The Guardian, Verhoeven shed light on the mid-1980s production process of RoboCop and the decisions behind the casting.
The director revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had been considered for the lead role—an unsurprising choice, given Schwarzenegger’s status as a Hollywood hotshot after the success of The Terminator in 1984.
“We considered casting Arnold Schwarzenegger but thought he’d be too enormous once he got the costume on,” Verhoeven explained. “We realized we needed to have somebody slim so we could build a really powerful robo-suit.”
When Verhoeven met Peter Weller, he was not only impressed with the actor’s skills but also captivated by a specific facial feature.
“It was important [RoboCop] had a good chin, though—it had to be really pronounced,” Verhoeven added. “Of course, acting was important, but I can’t deny Peter Weller’s chin was one of the main reasons he got the part.”
Peter Weller’s Journey: From Fan to RoboCop
Peter Weller had long been a fan of Paul Verhoeven’s work before landing the role of RoboCop.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Weller revealed that upon hearing about the futuristic sci-fi actioner, he immediately recognized its potential for depth beyond a mere robot policeman.
During his meeting with Verhoeven, Weller impressed the director with his knowledge of his previous work, leading them to delve into broader themes and philosophical discussions. However, one obstacle remained—Verhoeven insisted on an audition.
Weller, reluctant to audition due to his slow reading pace and struggles with the process, took an unconventional approach.
“I bulls***ted my way into a career, and I certainly bulls***ted my way into doing RoboCop,”
Weller admitted. Despite his initial refusal, Weller agreed to showcase his abilities at Verhoeven’s request.
The director challenged him to demonstrate his movement skills, and Weller, drawing from his dance background, performed for Verhoeven. Impressed by his audition, Verhoeven extended Weller an offer.
Another hurdle emerged when Weller’s agent revealed a tempting offer from producer Dino De Laurentiis for the film King Kong Lives, scheduled for release in 1986.
During a meeting with De Laurentiis, the renowned producer inquired about Weller’s financial expectations to decline RoboCop in favor of his project. After pondering the decision, Weller ultimately received an offer for RoboCop a few hours later.
Taking a leap of faith, he chose to collaborate with Verhoeven, a choice that has since proven to be the right one.
In retrospect, Weller’s journey to becoming RoboCop was an amalgamation of boldness, serendipity, and the belief in the power of taking risks.
Today, his portrayal of the cyborg lawman stands as a testament to his unique approach and enduring legacy in the franchise.
With Peter Weller’s unmistakable chin and his ability to bring depth to the role, RoboCop solidified its place in pop culture history.
As the franchise continues to evolve, audiences will forever associate Weller with the iconic cyborg lawman—a testament to his undeniable impact and the conviction to embrace opportunities, even when they appear unconventional or audacious.
