Sony is embarking on a new cinematic journey with a reboot of the iconic military sci-fi novel "Starship Troopers" by Robert A. Heinlein, as confirmed by multiple Hollywood sources such as The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety. The project is being helmed by acclaimed director Neill Blomkamp, known for his work on "District 9," "Elysium," and "Chappie." Blomkamp will both write and direct this fresh adaptation, which is being produced under Sony's Columbia Pictures banner.
This new venture is distinct from Paul Verhoeven's 1997 cult classic, which was a satirical take on Heinlein's work. Instead, Blomkamp's film aims to be a direct adaptation of the original novel, promising a different approach and tone from Verhoeven's version.
Interestingly, Sony's announcement of this project comes on the heels of their reveal of a live-action adaptation of the popular PlayStation game "Helldivers." "Helldivers," developed by Arrowhead, draws significant inspiration from Verhoeven's "Starship Troopers," featuring similar themes of soldiers fighting alien bugs while serving a satirical fascist regime. This creates an intriguing scenario where Sony could potentially have two films with overlapping themes competing against each other.
However, The Hollywood Reporter clarifies that Blomkamp's "Starship Troopers" will not be a remake of Verhoeven's film but will instead focus on returning to the source material. Heinlein's novel, which some interpret as promoting the very ideals that Verhoeven's film satirized, offers a rich foundation for Blomkamp to explore.
As of now, neither the new "Starship Troopers" nor the "Helldivers" movie has a confirmed release date, suggesting that fans may have to wait a while before seeing these projects come to fruition. Blomkamp's most recent directorial effort was Sony's "Gran Turismo," an adaptation of the renowned PlayStation driving simulation series, showcasing his continued collaboration with the studio.
