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Fans around the world love Peter Weller's performance as the titular Robocop in the 1987 hyperviolent action hit, but it wasn't until surprisingly recently that the actor, director, and PhD of art history had a viewing experience where the film fully clicked. 

Speaking to a packed crowd of fans at C2E2 2025's RoboCop panel, Weller, alongside co-star Nancy Allen (Officer Anne Lewis) spoke about their initial impressions upon the work's release. Allen remarked that she could tell there was something special about the film's dailies, and didn't watch in full until the premiere where she found it very moving. 

Weller, on the other hand, had a different experience. "I was not moved. I thought it was ok. I sat in judgment of it." The iconic RoboCop actor explained that it wasn't until a celebratory screening invited him some 5 years ago that things turned. He had planned to simply answer some questions for fans alongside writer Edward Neumeier, but on a whim, they decided to stay and watch the movie for the first time in a long time.

Approaching 40 years' remove gave Weller a new perspective to be moved. "I saw it as a tragedy. It makes me weepy," the actor revealed. He went on to reveal that he didn't think he'd be able to watch it again.

Some distance from the performance, and days including 6 and a half hours of makeup to get RoboCop's face prosthetic just right, seemed to lead to a cathartic experience for Weller after all these years. It's one fans will continue to have well into the future.

Did you miss a C2E2 Main Stage panel? Don't worry, we're filming it all thanks to our partners at CGC x JSA -  our official authenticator & grading partner. Here is the C2E2 2025 panel livestream & VOD release schedule.