RoboCop remake delayed until February 2014

Sony Pictures has been shuffling its schedules, with the results being that both Elysium and the RoboCop remake will be released later than expected.

It’s RoboCop that gets the biggest shift, being bumped from 9 August 2013 to 7 February 2014, while Elysium vacates its planned 1 March 2013 release date to take up that prime-time August spot.

While no official reason has been given for the switcheroo, it has been theorised that RoboCop 's later release date might allow time for the filmmakers to work on the special effects and convert the sci-fi into 3D.

It will mean that RoboCop loses a premium summer slot to debut in February (not exactly high season for blockbusters), which is a surprise given the brand recognition of the character, and the estimated budget of his comeback vehicle.

It's another blow to the project, following Hugh Laurie's departure and director José Padilha reported description of the production process as "hell" .

More promisingly, it suggests that Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium (the director’s second feature after District 9 ) is capable of holding its own in a key month.

Sony has also confirmed that the Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs sequel will open on 27 September 2013.