Plans for a Starship Troopers reboot may currently be underway, but another of Robert A. Heinlein’s classic books is now set to receive its first movie adaptation. Often credited as one of the key authors responsible for popularizing science fiction in the mid-20th century, Heinlein’s seminal 1959 novel formed the basis of Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 movie of the same name.

Despite the lackluster critical and commercial response to the release of Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers, it would still go on to generate a cult following and spawn a series of low-budget sequels animated movies, games and other spinoff media. Earlier this year, it was announced that District 9 director Neil Blomkamp has been tapped to lead a fresh reboot of the property.

Meanwhile, Heinlein’s works have also served as the basis for other science fiction movies including 1994’s The Puppet Masters with Donald Sutherland, and the 2014 Ethan Hawke outing, Predestination.

Heinlein’s 1957 Novel Will Get An Animated Movie From A DCAU Director

While many of Heinlein’s original sci-fi concepts, including that of the Space Marines, would go on to inspire countless movies and other creators, direct adaptations of his works have still largely been few and far between. One such book that has remained untouched until now is his 1957 novel, Citizen of the Galaxy.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Justice League: War director Jay Olivia has been tapped to helm an animated adaptation of Citizen of the Galaxy. Set to be penned by Red Sonja’s Luke Lieberman, the film will follow a young slave whose destiny will see him go on to shape the galaxy at large.

Olivia, who previously worked on the animated series Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, has suggested that this new project represents a “come-full-circle career moment” for him. Check out his comments below:

This is an inspiring, come-full-circle career moment for me, having begun my animation directing career in the late 1990s on Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, which were based within one of Heinlein’s most famous stories. It’s a joy and an honor to return to these mᴀssively imaginative roots, and to bring one of Heinlein’s previously unproduced works to a medium the entire planet can experience and enjoy.

Our Take On A Citizen Of The Galaxy Animated Movie

Often spoken in the same breath as other legendary authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, it is unfortunate that more of Heinlein’s works have not formed the basis for film adaptations over the years. While Starship Troopers remains a well-known commodity in the wider pop culture landscape, Verhoeven’s movie significantly altered many of the original book’s themes.

While Olivia may have found his start as a director on a Starship Troopers show, one which arguably treated the source material better, it will be interesting to see how closely this new Citizen Of The Galaxy will adhere to Heinlein’s original book.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter