District 9's Neill Blomkamp is set to write and direct a new Starship Troopers movie based on the original novel by Robert A. Heinlein. The film isn’t a remake of Verhoeven’s film and will instead hew closer to Robert A Heinlein’s original 1959 novel.

Starship Troopers was launched with the 1997 live-action adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s novel of the same name. Despite receiving negative reviews earlier on, the film amassed a cult following for its satirical take on common sci-fi and space opera tropes.

While exact plot details remain closely guarded, the new "Starship Troopers" is said to draw inspiration from Heinlein’s original military story, rather than pulling from the fascist send-up that characterized Verhoeven’s satirical adaptation. Along with writing and directing, Blomkamp is producing with his longtime collaborator Terri Tatchell.

The project marks a reunion for the director and the studio. Sony last recruited Blomkamp for “Gran Turismo,” a film adaptation of the racing video game franchise that originated in the company’s PlayStation division. Released in August 2023, the film grossed $120 million in worldwide theatrical sales against a $60 million production budget.

Set in the 23rd century, Paul Verhoeven’s movie starred Caspar Van Dien as Johnny Rico, with the cast also including Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick Harris, Clancy Brown, Seth Gilliam, Patrick Muldoon, and Michael Ironside. The films that followed in its wake include Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation in 2004, Starship Troopers 3: Marauder in 2008, Starship Troopers: Invasion in 2012, and Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars in 2017.

Source: Press Release