Will Aronofsky's 'Swan' edge out 'Robocop' reboot? (BIZ, AICN, HWT)

By Nancy Tartaglione

Darren Aronofsky is said to be on the verge of a deal for passion project "Black Swan" with Natalie Portman in the lead role. The film would shoot later this year which could potentially throw the director's involvement in the "Robocop" reboot into question, opines the Risky Business blog. Although Aronofsky last month told Ain't It Cool News that he was still on "Robocop," BIZ reports insiders say MGM has quietly put out feelers for other directors in case the timing doesn't work out.

In the case of "Swan," a few budget and financing issues still need be to ironed out, but people familiar with the situation say Aronofsky pretty much has indie financing set.

Aronfosky and writer David Self have been working closely to hone ideas on "Robocop" and, while it would be a tight fit, MGM could conceivably hit the pause button until early-mid 2010, when Aronofsky would be finished with "Swan," and still make the 2011 release-date target.

MGM has been cautious about the number of movies it releases and is currently concentrating on projects like the reboot of "Red Dawn," the comedy "Hot Tub Time Machine," and a "Poltergeist" update, notes BIZ.

That could mean the studio can afford to wait on "Robocop," but that would also mean putting a hold on a potential tentpole while others like "Bond 23" and "The Matarese Circle" are still a few years away.

In late June, after Portman's involvement in "Swan" was first reported, rumors started to surface that Aronofsky was abandoning "Robocop," but when AICN's Harry Knowles asked the director about it, he replied, "No, Still on it."