14 DAY TRIAL // Now that “House M.D.” is over, Hugh Laurie's schedule is suddenly less packed. The British actor (and singer) is now in talks to play the villain in the highly anticipated remake of “RoboCop,” it has emerged.
The report isn't confirmed yet but, considering that it comes from Variety, we'd say that's a pretty reliable source to take it at face value.
“In what amounts to the highest-profile role of his feature career, 'House' star Hugh Laurie is in negotiations to play the villain in MGM's remake of 'RoboCop,' which will be distributed by Sony Pictures,” the publication writes.
Joel Kinnaman plays the lead, that of a Detroit police officer who is killed on duty and then brought back to life as a robot, who also happens to retain some of his humanity.
“Laurie is making a deal to play the villainous CEO of Omni Corp, which creates the title character for its own gain,” Variety says.
Gary Oldman, Abbie Cornish and Samuel L. Jackson are also attached to the project, which is scheduled for theatrical release in August 2013.