The 'RoboCop' remake has a pretty impressive cast. Led by 'The Killing' star Joel Kinnaman, the cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Jackie Earle Haley, Jay Baruchel and Abbie Cornish. But one thing it doesn't have is a villain.

'House' star Hugh Laurie, who had signed on to star as the film's bad guy, has unexpectedly dropped out of the project.

No reason was given for Laurie's departure but it's possible that the actor's deal was never formally signed and contract negotiations fell apart at the last second. Or, perhaps, the classically trained Laurie got cold feet about starring in a 'RoboCop' remake that is plagued with bad buzz.

Filming on 'RoboCop' was expected to begin this month and producers are presumably scrambling to recast one of the biggest roles in the film. Laurie was to play the CEO of OmniCorp who turns Alex Murphy into the titular RoboCop.

José Padilha, who directed the impressive 'Elite Squad' films, is directing the 'RoboCop' remake for MGM.

'RoboCop' is set for release on August 9, 2013.

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