Robert A. Heinlein’s CITIZEN OF THE GALAXY is getting an animated film treatment at Lex+Otis Studios. The project will be directed by Jay Oliva from a script by Luke Lieberman, with both also producing alongside Academy Award winner Ryan Silbert. Vince Gerardis and Matt Kennedy are on board as executive producers for Startling, Inc.
First published in 1957, Citizen of the Galaxy follows Thorby, an orphan sold into interstellar slavery who finds his life changed after meeting Baslim the Beggar. The story evolves into a sweeping tale of freedom, identity, and destiny that spans across the galaxy. Despite Heinlein’s long legacy on screen, Citizen of the Galaxy has never before been adapted into film, television, or video games.
The Creative Team
Oliva, a veteran of both DC and Marvel animated projects and founder of Lex+Otis, is leading the adaptation. His past work includes Trese on Netflix, Ark: The Animated Series, and collaborations with Zack Snyder on Twilight of the Gods, Justice League, Batman vs. Superman, Man of Steel, and more. For Oliva, returning to Heinlein’s work connects back to his early career directing episodes of Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles.
“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,” said Oliva. “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.”
Lieberman, known for his work on the Red Sonja franchise and collaborations with Stan Lee, penned the script. He called the project a longtime passion, praising the scope of Thorby’s arc and Heinlein’s imagination.
“Citizen is a book I’ve always wanted to adapt, so I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” said Lieberman. “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, highlighted the creative freedom animation allows for expanding Heinlein’s vision. Gerardis and Kennedy, whose Startling, Inc. has been behind Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and Dark Winds, stressed the story’s relevance in exploring human nature and freedom.
“Heinlein has been the gold standard for a generation of science fiction fandom,” said Silbert. “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.”
Kenned said, “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.”
Heinlein on Screen
Heinlein’s works have inspired decades of adaptations, including Starship Troopers (1997), The Puppet Masters (1994), and Predestination (2014). Animation has also played a role, with Red Planet and multiple animated takes on Starship Troopers. The new Citizen of the Galaxy film continues that legacy while introducing one of Heinlein’s lesser-seen classics to modern audiences.
Release Window
With the script complete and visual development underway at Lex+Otis, the animated Citizen of the Galaxy is targeting an early 2027 release window.
