The Sci-Fi Action Blockbuster That’s Being Removed From Netflix
The 1997 sci-fi action film Starship Troopers will be leaving Netflix on October 31. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the movie is loosely based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert A. Heinlein, though it takes significant creative liberties with the source material. Over the years, it became known for its satirical take on military and fascist themes.
Starship Troopers is set in a future where Earth is governed by a global federation that requires military service as a path to citizenship and the right to vote. The story primarily follows Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien), Carmen Ibanez (Denise Richards), and Carl Jenkins (Neil Patrick Harris), who are high school friends living in Buenos Aires.
Carmen aspires to become a starship pilot, Johnny joins the Mobile Infantry to impress her, and Carl enlists for his psychic abilities. There is also a brutal battle between the Mobile Infantry and the Arachnids on the planet Klendathu, which ends in a devastating defeat for the human forces. As Johnny and his friends complete their training, they each get deployed to the front lines.
The film has developed a cult following over time and is regarded more favorably for its social commentary and unique style.
Starship Troopers also depicts a series of intense battles against the Bugs, filled with gruesome, violent scenes, showcasing the brutality of war. Throughout the film, the society’s propaganda machine promotes the war effort and emphasizes the need for military service as a pathway to citizenship.
Johnny’s journey from a raw recruit to a seasoned soldier is central to Starship Troopers. Carmen and Carl, meanwhile, follow their own paths. The film culminates in a massive assault on Klendathu, the home planet of the Arachnids, where the Mobile Infantry faces overwhelming odds.
Starship Troopers received largely negative reviews upon its release. While some critics appreciated its satirical take on fascism, militarism, and media manipulation, others criticized its violence and perceived lack of character depth. However, the film has developed a cult following over time and is regarded more favorably for its social commentary and unique style.
At the time of its release, Starship Troopers earned approximately $121 million at the global box office against a production budget of around $105 million. While the film wasn’t a massive blockbuster, it managed to cover its production expenses, which included extensive use of computer-generated imagery to depict the insect-like Arachnids and large-scale battle scenes.
Starship Troopers‘ propaganda segments, resembling World War II-era newsreels intended to satirize wartime propaganda, were inspired by Leni Riefenstahl’s Nazi propaganda film Triumph of the Will. The film also features a co-ed shower scene, which has been criticized for its gratuitous sexualization of the characters. However, it was intended as a satirical commentary on the portrayal of sex and violence in war films.
Starship Troopers Becomes A Franchise
Following the success of the original Starship Troopers film, a series of direct-to-video sequels were produced. These sequels continued the story and expanded on the universe created by the 1997 movie. Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation was released in 2004. It had a smaller budget than the original and focused on a group of soldiers trapped in a remote outpost facing a new threat from the Arachnids.
Subsequent sequels include Starship Troopers 3: Marauder in 2008 and Starship Troopers: Invasion in 2012. These films continued to explore the conflict with the Arachnids and introduced new characters and elements to the storyline. Animated adaptations include Starship Troopers: Roughnecks, which aired from 1999 to 2000. It was inspired by the original novel and the 1997 film.
The series follows a Mobile Infantry unit called Razak’s Roughnecks as they engage in battles against the Arachnids on various planets. The animated Starship Troopers series had a more serialized format compared to the standalone nature of the films, allowing for deeper exploration of characters and story arcs.
The last day to stream Starship Troopers on Netflix is October 31.
Starship Troopers: The Series is a live-action show aired in 1999 and served as a sequel to the original film and featured some of the same characters. The franchise has also been adapted into video games, with titles like “Starship Troopers: Terran Ascendancy and Starship Troopers: The Miniatures Game, allowing players to experience the battles and tactics of the Mobile Infantry in various formats.
While not part of the official film franchise, several novels have been written by different authors that expand on the Starship Troopers universe. While the film initially received mixed reviews, Starship Troopers has become a must-watch for its satirical approach to militarism and fascism.
