Sony Pictures is developing a new film adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 science fiction novel, Starship Troopers. Neill Blomkamp, director of District 9, Elysium, and Chappie, is attached to write and direct this new project, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety.

This new adaptation is distinct from Paul Verhoeven's 1997 satirical film of the same name. Instead, it aims to be a fresh interpretation of Heinlein's original novel. The project is under Sony's Columbia Pictures banner.

The news of Blomkamp's involvement is intriguing, especially considering Sony's concurrent development of a live-action film based on the PlayStation Studios game, Helldivers. Helldivers, created by Arrowhead Game Studios, draws significant inspiration from Verhoeven's Starship Troopers, sharing similar themes of soldiers fighting alien bugs while upholding a somewhat satirical governmental regime.

The potential for these two Sony projects—the new Starship Troopers and Helldivers—to compete against each other is noteworthy. However, The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes that Blomkamp's vision is a direct adaptation of Heinlein's novel, not a remake of Verhoeven's film. Heinlein's book is known for its contrasting tone and themes compared to the satirical approach of Verhoeven's movie.

Neither Starship Troopers nor Helldivers currently has a confirmed release date. Blomkamp's last directorial effort was Sony's Gran Turismo, another adaptation based on a PlayStation property.