Robot Jox

Robot Jox is a 1990 post-apocalyptic science fiction film directed by Stuart Gordon and starring Gary Graham, Anne-Marie Johnson, and Paul Koslo. The film was co-written by science fiction author Joe Haldeman.

The film's plot follows Achilles, one of the "robot jox" who pilot giant mechanical machines that fight international battles in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world. Achilles retires after his final contracted battle against his primary rival, Alexander, ends in an inconclusive disaster, but returns when he realizes that a female genetically engineered athlete, Athena, will replace him. Athena attempts to steal the robot and fight against Alexander anyway, and when she is easily defeated, Achilles reclaims his robot to fight. After a prolonged battle, Achilles and Alexander reconcile and salute each other.

After producer Charles Band approved Gordon's initial concept, the director approached Haldeman to write the script. The two men clashed frequently over the film's tone and intended audience. Principal photography finished in Rome in 1987, but the bankruptcy of Band's Empire Pictures delayed the film's release in theaters until 1990. It earned $1,272,977 in domestic gross, failing to earn its production cost in theaters. The film received negative critical response and little audience attention upon its first theatrical run, but has attracted a minor cult following and influenced elements of popular culture since its initial release.