Here’s hoping you’re ready to fight some bugs, because Johnny Rico and his crew are coming back for moreStarship Troopersaction. However, this version of the sci-fi story is shaping up to be quite different from the 1997 original.
Sony’s Columbia Pictures is takingStarship Troopersback to the drawing board. The 1997 original has become a cult classic in the years since its release and it did launch an admittedly lackluster multimedia franchise. An animated series, multiple direct-to-video sequels, and a host of video games have keptStarship Troopersin the background of public consciousness for years, but none of these projects have lived up to the hyper-violent and hyper-satirical film helmed by Paul Verhoeven. Weirdly enough, theHelldiversfranchise of video gameshas done a better job of successfully mimickingStarship Troopersthan it’s own products have. This time around, Sony and Columbia are changing things up instead of dipping into the same old well yet again.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Columbia Pictures is bringing Neill Blomkamp on board to write and direct a newStarship Troopersfilm. Instead of remaking the 1997 film, Blomkamp will be creating an all-new adaptation of the 1959 novel of the same name. Written by Robert A. Heinlein, the sci-fi classic won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960 while also proving to be controversial for its glorification of the military. Paul Verhoeven’s work is beloved for its social satire and theRoboCopdirector turned the military jingoism all the way up for his 1997 version. Instead of being a celebration of military might, hisStarship Trooperslaughed right in the face of the sci-fi forces it was supposed to be praising.
Blomkamp appeared to get his groove back with 2023’sGran Turismo, but the South African director will forever be best-known for his little 2009 sci-fi picture that could,District 9. With that modern classic, Blomkamp introduced himself on the Hollywood scene with a bang. After releasing his follow-upsElysiumandChappieto less critical and commercial acclaim, Blomkamp got to work on two sci-fi revitalizations that never got to see the light of day:Alien: AwakeningandRoboCop Returns. They say the third time’s the charm, so perhaps his work on the newStarship Trooperswill actually come to fruition this time around.
What Will Neill Blomkamp’s Starship Troopers End Up Looking Like?
There is no telling just what Blomkamp’s vision is for a newStarship Troopersfilm. Based on the subject matter he covered inDistrict 9,Elysium, andChappie, it’s highly doubtful that his adaptation of the 1959 novel will be an out-and-out celebration of militaristic ideals. Verhoeven’s work is far more blunt in its criticisms of modern life than Blomkamp’s usually is, but both directors have successfully used science fiction to lambaste societal norms over the years. Say what you want about the overall quality of Blomkamp’sDistrict 9followups, but it’s not likeChappieandElysiumwere celebrating fascism or anything of the sort.
Assuming Sony and Columbia genuinely give Blomkamp the creative power to do what he wants withStarship Troopers, fans of the 1997 film should have a lot to be excited about. Fingers crossed that—unlike his forays into theAlienandRoboCopfranchises—Blomkamp’s take onStarship Trooperswill come into existence and provide the sci-fi thrills fans have been dying for.
