Mumbai: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has signed Darren Aronofsky to direct and David Self to write a new instalment for its Robocop franchise. Aronofsky, the director of The Fountain, and Self, the writer of Road to Perdition, make a formidable creative team, fast tracking the Robocop motion picture and spotlighting it as one of the most anticipated new films for 2010.

The announcement was made today by MGM Worldwide Motion Picture Group chairman Mary Parent.

In making the announcement Parent said, " Aronofsky is undeniably one of the most talented, original and visceral film makers, and Self is one of the greatest writers in Hollywood. All of us at MGM couldn’t be more excited."

Phoenix Pictures’ Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brad Fischer and David Thwaites will produce Robocop. MGM executive vice president production Cale Boyter will oversee the project for the studio.

Phoenix Pictures’ Chairman and CEO Mike Medavoy said, "After making the first Robocop at Orion more than 20 years ago, I’m thrilled to be helping to return this character to the screen with our partners at MGM and through the eyes of Aronofsky and Self."

Phoenix co-presidents Brad Fischer and David Thwaites added, "With a filmmaker of Aronofsky’s vision and imagination and a writer of Self’s calibre, we are poised to bring to the screen an entertaining and provocative film, which will now be under the creative guidance of two of the best storytellers working in our industry today."