After the original film released in 1997, and ultimately becoming a cult-favorite of sorts, Sony Pictures released two direct-to-DVD sequels that actually did fairly well. There has been talk of a fourth film in the series for some time and now we have confirmation of that. This installment, however, will be taking a different route and be an animated feature.
Starship Troopers: Invasion is currently in production and on track for a Summer 2012 release. Shinji Aramaki (
Appleseed, Halo Legend) is on board to direct the film, with Casper Van Dien producing (possibly returning to voice Johnny Rico as well) with script-writer Ed Neumeier, who penned the previous three films. We also have a plot summary to go along with the promo art (pictured):
A distant Federation outpost Fort Casey comes under attack by bugs. The team on the fast attack ship Alesia is assigned to help the Starship John A. Warden stationed in Fort Casey evacuate along with the survivors and bring military intelligence safely back to Earth. Carl Jenkins, now ministry of Paranormal Warfare, takes the starship on a clandestine mission before its rendezvous with the Alesia and goes missing in the nebula. Now, the battle-hardened troopers are charged with a rescue mission that may lead to a much more sinister consequence than they ever could have imagined....
This is not the first time the franchise has received the animation treatment. In 1999, the
Roughnecks series hit the small screen for 12 episodes.
I will admit that I am a bit of a fan of the first film. Sure, it is cheesy, often walking the line of silliness, but it is a fun and entertaining sci-fi film. But, having watched the two DVD sequels, the franchise went down hill quite fast. Maybe going to animation may help things out a bit, but that won't save it if the story isn't captivating.