Neill Blomkamp is doing his part. The “District 9” and “Chappie” filmmaker is attached to write and direct a new film adaptation of “Starship Troopers,” the 1959 sci-fi novel by Robert A. Heinlein that was last memorably brought to theaters in 1997 by director Paul Verhoeven. The new project comes from Sony’s Columbia Pictures.

Would you like to know more?

While exact plot details remain closely guarded, the new “Starship Troopers” is said to draw inspiration from Heinlein’s original military story, rather than pulling from the fascist send-up that characterized Verhoeven’s satirical adaptation. Along with writing and directing, Blomkamp is producing with his longtime collaborator Terri Tatchell.

The project marks a reunion for the director and the studio. Sony last recruited Blomkamp for “Gran Turismo,” a film adaptation of the racing video game franchise that originated in the company’s PlayStation division. Released in August 2023, the film grossed $120 million...