Robert Heinlein’s Sci-Fi Classic ‘Citizen Of The Galaxy’ Getting Feature Adaptation From Lex+Otis

Lex+Otis Studios has announced development on an animated feature adaptation of legendary sci-fi writer Robert A. Heinlein’s novel Citizen of the Galaxy. The project will be directed by studio founder Jay Oliva – who worked on another Heinlein adaptation, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, early in his career -from a screenplay by Luke Lieberman.

Both will also produce alongside Academy Award winner Ryan Silbert (best live-action short God of Love, 2010), with Game of Thrones production company Startling, Inc.’s Vince Gerardis and Matt Kennedy serving as executive producers.

Originally published in 1957, Heinlein’s Citizen of the Galaxy follows the journey of Thorby, an orphaned boy sold into slavery on the bustling trade hub of Jubbul, whose life changes after meeting the mysterious Baslim the Beggar. His path evolves into an interstellar odyssey that shapes both his personal destiny and the future of the galaxy.

Oliva, whose credits span major animated films for DC/Warner Bros. and Marvel/Disney as well as storyboarding some of Hollywood’s biggest live-action blockbusters, described the project as both personal and full circle:

This is an inspiring, come-full-circle career moment for me, having begun my animation directing career in the late 1990s on Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, which were based within one of Heinlein’s most famous stories. It’s a joy and an honor to return to these massively imaginative roots, and to bring one of Heinlein’s previously unproduced works to a medium the entire planet can experience and enjoy.”

Screenwriter and producer Lieberman, best known for revitalizing the Red Sonja franchise, called Citizen of the Galaxy a long-held passion project:

Citizen is a book I’ve always wanted to adapt, so I’m really grateful for this opportunity. Thorby has such a compelling character arc on his journey through the stars. He travels every walk of life, treads a mile in many different shoes, set against the biggest canvas possible, and sprung from Robert Heinlein’s wild imagination full of his wisdom and insights. This is a special story and I can’t wait to share it with a whole new generation.

Silbert, an Oscar-winning producer and founder of Origin Story Entertainment, emphasized the potential of animation to expand Heinlein’s vision:

Heinlein has been the gold standard for a generation of science fiction fandom. Jay and Luke have a vision for this adaptation that expands on Heinlein’s original work in a way that takes advantage of everything that the animation medium offers. We couldn’t be more excited to be starting this journey together.

Startling, Inc., behind Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, sees the project as a perfect fit for their science fiction and fantasy library. According to Kennedy:

Vince and I are thrilled to be working with Luke, Ryan, and Jay on bringing this timeless classic of literature to life. With its bold exploration of freedom, identity, and human nature, this iconic story is the perfect foundation for an animated film that will captivate both long-time fans and new audiences alike.

Oliva and the Lex+Otis team are currently deep in visual development, with a potential release window of early 2027.