'Citizen of the Galaxy' Finally Gets Its First Adaptation — A Bold Choice for Animation, and I’m All for It
An unadapted sci-fi gem finally finds its animated form.
It’s almost surprising that it took so long, but Robert A. Heinlein’s Citizen of the Galaxy is finally getting its first screen adaptation. Even better, it’s arriving as a full-length animated film — and I can’t help but think that might be the perfect fit.
A Heinlein Classic, Long Overlooked
Published in 1957, the novel follows Thorby, an orphan sold into slavery whose life changes after meeting Baslim the Beggar. What begins as a tale of survival grows into a galaxy-spanning adventure about freedom, morality, and power.
The Team Behind the Film
The project is led by veteran animator Jay Oliva, known for his Marvel and DC work as well as Zack Snyder’s Twilight of the Gods. He teams up with writer Luke Lieberman (Red Sonja) and producer Ryan Silbert, with development already well underway and casting discussions in progress.
A Return to Heinlein’s Universe
For Oliva, it’s something of a full-circle moment. He began his career on Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles in the late 1990s, and now he’s tackling another Heinlein tale — one that, remarkably, has never been adapted before. Poetic, don’t you think?
Looking Ahead to 2027
The film is aiming for a 2027 release, with hopes of introducing Heinlein’s vision to a new generation. And honestly, animation might give this sweeping story the scope and imagination that live-action could struggle to match.
