Thescreescore – While a Starship Troopers reboot is brewing, another Robert A. Heinlein classic is finally getting its cinematic debut. Heinlein, a titan of mid-20th-century sci-fi, saw his 1959 novel Starship Troopers adapted into Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 film (which, despite mixed reviews, spawned a cult following and various sequels). This year, Neil Blomkamp is tackling a reboot. But Heinlein’s influence extends beyond Starship Troopers; his works inspired The Puppet Masters (1994) and Predestination (2014). Now, another Heinlein gem is stepping into the spotlight.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Justice League: War director Jay Olivia will helm an animated adaptation of Heinlein’s 1957 novel, Citizen of the Galaxy. Penning the script is Luke Lieberman (Red Sonja). The film follows a young slave destined to reshape the galaxy.
Olivia, whose animation career began with Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, calls this project a "come-full-circle career moment," stating, "It’s a joy and an honor to return to these massively imaginative roots, and to bring one of Heinlein’s previously unproduced works to a medium the entire planet can experience and enjoy."
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This adaptation is significant. While Heinlein’s concepts have influenced countless films, direct adaptations of his work remain relatively scarce. Starship Troopers, though famous, saw Verhoeven significantly alter the source material’s themes. Olivia’s involvement, given his history with the Starship Troopers universe (a series arguably more faithful to Heinlein’s vision than the film), hints at a potentially more respectful approach to Citizen of the Galaxy‘s source material. The question remains: how closely will this animated film adhere to Heinlein’s original vision? Only time will tell. Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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