A new Starship Troopers film is in the works at Sony, with District 9 director Neill Blomkamp set to write and direct.
According to Deadline, this new version will stay true to Robert A. Heinlein’s original 1959 novel, unlike the 1997 Paul Verhoeven adaptation.
The 1997 film, though initially a box office disappointment with a $100 million budget and $121.2 million worldwide gross, has gained cult status over the years, launching the careers of Denise Richards, Casper Van Dien, and Jake Busey.
While specific plot details for the new movie are still under wraps, it’s safe to assume it will center on the battle between astronauts and bugs.
Blomkamp will also produce the film alongside his wife and frequent collaborator, Terri Tatchell, who worked with him on Chappie.
Blomkamp has a longstanding relationship with Sony, having directed the sci-fi hits District 9, Chappie, and Elysium for the studio, in addition to adapting the Gran Turismo PlayStation game into a feature film, which earned over $122 million worldwide despite the timing of the strikes.
District 9 was a critical success, earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay for Blomkamp and Tatchell.
The Starship Troopers franchise has already spawned several sequels, including Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004), Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (2008), where Van Dien returned as Johnny Rico, and two CGI-animated films: Starship Troopers: Invasion (2012) and Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars (2017).
