Merrick here...

Seems machinations are afoot that may slow the progress of Darren Aronofsky's ROBOCOP remake.

Aronofsky's been trying to get a Natalie Portman project called BLACK SWAN off the ground for a while now; seems pieces of that puzzle are now falling into place. This may necessitate a start date that would either delay Darren's still-in-development ROBOCOP resurrection, or compel MGM to find another director for the project.

BLACK SWAN is...

...about a woman in the New York City ballet who may or may not be imagining things about an apparent rival.
[EDIT]
...insiders in the rep community say the studio has also quietly put out feelers for other directors who could come on to “Robocop” in case the timing doesn't work out.

MGM declined comment on the story.

...says THIS ASSESSMENT at THR's Risky Business Blog.

I've never been one to support the notion of a ROBOCOP remake in any way, shape, or form. This said, knowing the project was under Aronofsky's lead afforded a small measure of comfort. He was the lesser of many evil possibilities...possibilities which look like they may now be reopened for consideration (CLICK HERE for an earlier article detailing discussions about ROBOCOP directors before Darren came on board).

Again, it's possible schedules may be worked out so Aronofsky can wrangle both projects...so don't take this article as an absolute indicator of his departure.