District 9 director Neill Blomkamp is set to reimagine Starship Troopers for a new adaptation that will strip the franchise back to the basic elements of the sci-fi novel. The tale was originally brought to screens in 1997 by Paul Verhoeven, exploring the conflict between a futuristic space-faring and highly-propagandized militaristic society and a race of insectoid aliens. A cult-classic thanks to its VFX, action and over-the-top satirical exploration of fascism and propaganda, Starship Troopers has grown in appreciation, influence, and relevance with time.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Blomkamp has been recruited by Sony to helm a new adaptation of Starship Troopers for the big screen. Blomkamp will write and direct the feature, as well as serve as a producer alongside wife and frequent collaborator Terri Tatchell following their works on District 9 and Chappie. Rather than remaking Verhoeven’s 1997 film, the upcoming feature will base itself directly on the original 1959 novel written by Robert A. Heinlein.
What Blomkamp’s Adaptation Means For Starship Troopers’ Direction
The Original Novel Is Highly Debated In Its Vision
With it being stated that Blomkamp’s adaptation will forgo remaking the Verhoeven cult-classic, the upcoming reboot will likely be a drastically different entity when compared to either the 1997 movie or the franchise it spawned. Heinlein’s 1959 novel has been widely debated in how it presents its themes, and whether it is an open endorsement of fascist practices. In comparison, Verhoeven chose to pivot his Starship Troopers in an incredibly satirical direction, as the production design more explicitly evoked fascist esthetics but ramped the jingoism up to levels that pointed out the ridiculousness of its performative practices.
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As such, many cinemagoers may wonder just how Blomkamp will approach the divisive source material. The director is no stranger to turning his sci-fi tales to tackle difficult themes and subtext, as his directorial debut District 9 was an exploration of Apartheid, with hints of the role of corporations in governance, and his follow-up Elysium further tackling sociological themes between the impoverished left on a fading Earth as the wealthy take to the titular sanctuary space station in orbit. As such, given his past handling of subtext, it is certain Blomkamp will tackle the deeper discussions behind Starship Troopers.
Our Thoughts On Blomkamp’s Starship Troopers Adaptation
Can A Stripped-Back Adaptation Stand Beside The Cult Classic?
While Heinlein’s vision of Earth’s potential future had an incredible impact on science-fiction, even with its debated handling of themes, it can be argued that Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers has outshone its source material. Its action and satirical take on fascism has been replicated by many, most notably in the hit video-game Helldivers 2, which itself will receive an adaptation in the near future under Sony. As such, many viewers may even be unaware of the original novel, or its drastic differences in its portrayal of humanity.
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With this, it remains to be seen how Blomkamp’s upcoming Starship Troopers adaptation will be received. Even with the director’s credentials and the opportunity to revisit novel elements that didn’t make it to the screen, audiences may be entering the movie with very different preconceptions. As pre-production continues and more announcements are revealed, it is likely that Blomkamp’s reimagining will see plenty of discussion and debate going forward.
Source: THR
Starship Troopers
The Starship Troopers franchise began with the 1959 novel by Robert A. Heinlein, which was adapted into the 1997 cult-classic film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The movie is a satirical take on militarism, fascism, and war, following Johnny Rico and his journey through the Mobile Infantry as they battle an insect-like alien race called the Arachnids. Over time, the franchise expanded into sequels, animated films, a TV series, and video games, continuing the story of humanity’s fight against the alien Bugs. The series remains iconic for its blend of high-octane action and political commentary.
- Created by
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Robert A. Heinlein, Paul Verhoeven
- Latest Film
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Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars
- First Episode Air Date
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August 30, 1999
- Video Game(s)
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Starship Troopers: Extermination
Summary
The Starship Troopers franchise began with the 1959 novel by Robert A. Heinlein, which was adapted into the 1997 cult-classic film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The movie is a satirical take on militarism, fascism, and war, following Johnny Rico and his journey through the Mobile Infantry as they battle an insect-like alien race called the Arachnids. Over time, the franchise expanded into sequels, animated films, a TV series, and video games, continuing the story of humanity’s fight against the alien Bugs. The series remains iconic for its blend of high-octane action and political commentary.