AceShowbiz - Neill Blomkamp, the filmmaker known for his socially conscious sci-fi narratives such as "District 9" and "Chappie", has officially signed on to write and direct a new film adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 sci-fi novel, "Starship Troopers".

This latest remake, commissioned by Sony's Columbia Pictures, promises to draw more from Heinlein's original military story rather than the 1997 cult classic directed by Paul Verhoeven.

The 1997 adaptation, created under Sony's TriStar Pictures, was a satirical take on a fascist society embroiled in an interstellar war against insects. Though it underperformed at the box office, grossing just $121 million worldwide against a production budget north of $100 million, it later gained a loyal following for its dark humor and hyper-violent presentation.

This success prompted further installments, including two direct-to-video sequels and a pair of animated films.

Blomkamp, known for his realistic and gritty sci-fi aesthetics, seems a fitting choice to adapt Heinlein's revered novel.

His debut feature, "District 9", was a critical and commercial success, earning four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, the latter shared with his co-writer and long-time collaborator Terri Tatchell. Together, they hope to bring the same level of insight and craftsmanship to this new iteration of "Starship Troopers".

This project marks another collaboration between Blomkamp and Sony. He recently directed {m=Gran Turismo]", a film adaptation of the popular PlayStation racing game series.

The film performed well at the box office, grossing over $120 million worldwide. The new Starship Troopers will also be produced by Blomkamp and Tatchell, further cementing their creative partnership.

While plot specifics remain under wraps, it is expected that the new adaptation will stay true to the novel's focus on military astronauts battling extraterrestrial bugs. By shifting away from the satirical elements of Verhoeven's film, Blomkamp seems poised to offer a version that honors Heinlein's vision more closely.

Fans of both Heinlein and Blomkamp are eagerly awaiting this fresh take on a beloved classic. Will Blomkamp's unique brand of hard-hitting sci-fi storytelling be the key to reimagining "Starship Troopers" for a new generation? Only time will tell. For now, we can only stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project develops.