Potential Future Starship Troopers Film under Consideration, Yet Anticipation Might Not Be Warranted
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Ready to dive in? Let's discuss if we actually need a fresh spin on Starship Troopers. The 1997 adaptation by Paul Verhoeven, based on Robert Heinlein's 1959 novel, has cached itself as a classic with its pointed satire on fascism, the military-industrial complex, and a irreverent sense of humor. Not to forget the unforgettable characters, like Neil Patrick Harris as a bug-talking psychic, Denise Richards as a starship pilot, Michael Ironside as an intense squad leader, and let's not forget the heaping helpings of squishy violence, peculiar sports, and quotable one-liners.
Last year, Starship Troopers rekindled its popularity following the release of Helldivers 2, which makes it understandable that the film industry would capitalize with a new adaptation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Columbia has entrusted Neill Blomkamp (known for District 9, Elysium, and Chappie) to pen and direct the project.
The realm of science fiction is no stranger to Blomkamp, despite his last two ventures veering away - a 2021 horror movie called Demonic and a 2023 sports drama titled Gran Turismo. However, since making waves with 2009's District 9, he's also been attached to multiple high-profile projects that didn't pan out, including entries in the Alien and RoboCop universes. (RoboCop, helmed by Paul Verhoeven, is now slated as a Prime Video streaming series.)
Bygones be bygones, though. Blomkamp could find his next sci-fi success amid the far-flung setting of Starship Troopers. And it seems this upcoming project will present a distinct interpretation of Heinlein's story; THR clarifies that "Blomkamp's take is not a remake of the Verhoeven movie, and sources indicate the plan is to get back to the source material."
So, what are your thoughts on a new Starship Troopers? Don't forget to add your own "Would you like to know more?" wisecrack if you feel like it.
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- Neill Blomkamp, the director known for District 9 and Elysium, will pen and direct a new adaptation of Starship Troopers in 2023, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- This upcoming Starship Troopers project will not be a remake of the 1997 adaptation by Paul Verhoeven, but rather an interpretation that aims to return to Robert Heinlein's original source material.
- Given Blomkamp's past success in the realm of science fiction, the far-flung setting of Starship Troopers could potentially lead to his next sci-fi success.
- It's intriguing to ponder whether this new interpretation of Starship Troopers will satirize aspects of the future such as technology, capitalist systems, or military organizations, considering the satirical elements present in the 1997 adaptation.