Prime Video’s RoboCop reboot has cast its new lead to take over from Peter Weller.

Amazon is reviving the RoboCop franchise with a significant announcement: Dan Stevens has been cast as Alex Murphy, the iconic character originally portrayed by Peter Weller in the 1987 classic and later by Joel Kinnaman in the 2014 reboot. This news comes from a recent report detailing the upcoming TV series.

Stevens, known for his performances in shows like ITV’s Downton Abbey and FX’s Legion, has also made his mark in major films such as Beauty and the Beast, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. He even took on the role of a robot in the 2021 German sci-fi film I’m Your Man. His next project is Onslaught, an action-thriller from A24 featuring Adria Arjona, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

The new RoboCop series will consist of eight episodes and is set to stream on Prime Video, as confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Atomic Monster. The long-anticipated series, simply titled RoboCop, will see the franchise’s original co-creators and co-writers, Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner, serving as executive producers. Peter Ocko, known for his work on Lodge 49 and Pushing Daisies, will take on the roles of executive producer, showrunner, and writer. James Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett will also be executive producers for Blumhouse Atomic Monster.

According to the initial announcement, the series will explore the story of a powerful tech conglomerate that persuades the city to integrate a formidable robot into its police force—one that carries the consciousness of a cherished, fallen officer.

The original RoboCop, released in 1987 and directed by Paul Verhoeven, is celebrated for its sharp satire on rampant capitalism, gentrification, and corporate greed, making it a standout in the sci-fi and action genres. Its success led to two sequels, RoboCop 2 in 1990 and RoboCop 3 in 1993, which featured Robert John Burke as Murphy. The franchise also expanded into animated series, live-action shows, comic books, and video games. A 2014 remake, featuring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, and Michael Keaton, received mixed reviews but kept the RoboCop legacy alive.

As the new series approaches, it’s essential to remember what made the 1987 film a timeless classic.