Sony is gearing up to bring a fresh take on the iconic military sci-fi novel "Starship Troopers" by Robert A. Heinlein, with acclaimed director Neill Blomkamp at the helm. Known for his work on films like "District 9," "Elysium," and "Chappie," Blomkamp will both write and direct this new adaptation, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety.
This project, produced by Sony's Columbia Pictures, marks a distinct departure from Paul Verhoeven's 1997 cult classic "Starship Troopers," which offered a satirical twist on Heinlein's original work. Blomkamp's version aims to be a more direct adaptation of the novel, steering away from the satirical elements that characterized Verhoeven's film.
Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers satirized the novel upon which it is based. Photo by TriStar Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images.
The announcement of Blomkamp’s involvement comes at an interesting time, especially with Sony also developing a live-action movie based on the popular PlayStation game "Helldivers." Helldivers, developed by Arrowhead, draws heavy inspiration from Verhoeven’s "Starship Troopers," featuring soldiers fighting alien bugs in a satirical take on a fascist regime. This raises questions about how Sony will navigate the release of two films that, while different in their approach, share thematic similarities.
Blomkamp’s "Starship Troopers" is poised to delve back into Heinlein’s original narrative, which differs significantly in tone from Verhoeven’s adaptation. Heinlein’s book is often interpreted as promoting the very ideals that Verhoeven’s film satirized.
As of now, neither the new "Starship Troopers" nor the "Helldivers" movie has a confirmed release date, suggesting that fans might have to wait a while before seeing either project come to fruition. Blomkamp’s most recent work was the Sony-produced "Gran Turismo," based on the popular PlayStation driving simulation series, showcasing his ability to adapt gaming content for the big screen.
