Not to be outdone by Warner’s press release with plot details for Interstellar, the folks over at Sony have made a sci-fi announcement of their own regarding Neill Blomkamp’s next film, Chappie. Included in the press release are the first official story details for the sci-fi comedy.
We knew the film was going to star Blomkamp’s frequent partner Sharlto Copley, and it is confirmed in the details that he will voice the robot who serves as the film’s lead. The local gangsters who steal our AI-powered robot will be played by Ninja and Yolandi Visser, best known for their work in Die Antwoord.
Check out the full story description below.
Chappie tells the story of a robot imbued with artificial intelligence who is stolen by two local gangsters who want to use him for their own nefarious purposes. Sharlto Copley, star of Blomkamp’s District 9 and Elysium, will voice the robot. Ninja and Yolandi Visser, voices of the South African Zef counter-culture movement and members of rap-rave duo Die Antwoord, will play the gangsters.
That definitely sounds like the sort of sci-fi comedy that can work. It’s a tricky genre crossover to take-on, but when done well the combination has produced some of the most beloved films ever. Personally, I’m quite excited to hear a robot with Copley’s high-pitched South African accent, as that alone could be hilarious.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Blomkamp and his work. His latest film, Elysium, is another excellent piece of science fiction, showing yet again that there are few as capable of creating a realistic futuristic world as Blomkamp. While it doesn’t seem that this film will rely as heavily on the creation of a dystopic world as District 9 or Elyisum, at this point I’m excited to see anything Blomkamp dreams up.
Not giving himself much time between films, Blomkamp is starting production on Chappie this fall. He’s working off a script which he co-wrote with District 9 co-writer Terri Tatchell.
And for those who aren’t familiar with Die Antwoord, you should look up a couple of their music videos. That’s the only way you can be prepared for just how weird this movie could get. Check them out and then head on down to the comments section to share your thoughts with us on Chappie.