Neill Blomkamp to Direct New Starship Troopers Movie Based on Heinlein’s Novel

Columbia Pictures has chosen Neill Blomkamp, known for District 9, to write and direct a new adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel *Starship Troopers*. Unlike the 1997 film directed by Paul Verhoeven, which was a satirical take on militarism and nationalism, Blomkamp’s version will reportedly stay closer to the original book. His wife, Terri Tatchell, will co-produce the film.

The *Starship Troopers* franchise has not had a live-action installment since 2008’s *Starship Troopers 3: Marauder*. Verhoeven’s film, starring Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris, was initially criticized for its seemingly pro-fascist themes but has since been recognized as a satire. Heinlein’s novel, on the other hand, has been debated for its depiction of military society.

Blomkamp has previously attempted to revive classic sci-fi franchises, including an unmade *RoboCop* sequel and an *Alien* film that was shelved in favor of Ridley Scott’s *Alien: Covenant*. Most recently, he directed *Gran Turismo*. No release date has been announced for the new *Starship Troopers* adaptation.