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Chappie (film)

Chappie is a 2015 dystopian science fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp and written by Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chappie is a 2015 dystopian science fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp and written by Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell. Set and shot in Johannesburg, it follows a law-enforcement robot that is captured by criminals and taught to think and feel for itself. The film stars Sharlto Copley as the title robot through motion capture and voice work, alongside Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman, and others.

Premise

The story follows an artificial intelligence law-enforcement robot that is stolen and raised by gangsters after being given the capacity to think and feel. Its development places it in conflict with both criminals and corporate interests.

Production

Chappie was directed by Neill Blomkamp and written with Terri Tatchell. It was a bilateral co-production between the United States and South Africa and was filmed in Johannesburg.

Cast

The principal cast includes Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman, Ninja, Yolandi Visser, Jose Pablo Cantillo, and Sigourney Weaver. Copley provides the performance for the title character.

Themes and genre

The film combines action with dystopian science fiction and explores artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the relationship between creators and their creations.

Key facts

  • The film is stylized as CHAPPiE and was released in 2015.
  • It depicts a near-future Johannesburg policed by armed robots.
  • The title character is a robot given self-awareness through experimental artificial intelligence.
  • Sharlto Copley performs Chappie through motion capture and voice work.
  • The film was shot in Johannesburg and produced as a U.S.–South African co-production.

Frequently asked questions

What is Chappie?
Chappie is a 2015 dystopian science fiction action film about a robot that becomes self-aware after being reprogrammed.
Who directed Chappie?
It was directed by Neill Blomkamp.
Who wrote Chappie?
The screenplay was written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell.
Where is Chappie set?
It is set in near-future Johannesburg, South Africa.
Who plays Chappie?
Sharlto Copley performs the title robot through motion capture and voice work.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chappie_(film)
    Supports: Release year, director, writers, genre, setting, co-production, cast, and film premise.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/chappie-2015
    Supports: Near-future Johannesburg setting, police robot premise, and plot details involving the corporation and Vincent Moore.
  3. Reelviews — https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/chappie
    Supports: Cast, U.S. release date, running time, rating, screenplay credits, and genre.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/chappie
    Supports: Plot summary, release year, director, cast, and thematic premise.