Starship Troopers will never die. The forever-alive 1997 cult classic will forever live on in the hearts and minds of its fans, who might or might not call themselves as members of Rico’s Roughnecks in secret. But it hasn’t been under the mainstream spotlight for a long time – until last month.
Helldivers 2, which wears its inspiration on its sleeve, has revived interest in the Starship Troopers franchise, specifically the live-action adaptations that leaned in so hard on the fascist themes that are so prevalent in Arrowhead Game Studios’ popular co-op shooter. Casper Van Dien, the actor who famously portrayed Johnny Rico in the original film and the live-action sequels (Van Dien was also involved in the animated series and the CGI-animated films), has been playing into this over the past month, even teasing his potential involvement in the game.
In response to suggestions of a crossover, or at least an advertisement featuring himself or his co-stars, Van Dien enthusiastically replied with a gif of his 1997 character with the caption “DESIRE TO KNOW MORE INTENSIFIES.” Though this tweet is no longer online (luckily, PC Gamer captured evidence of its existence), it was enough to fuel speculation about an incoming collaboration.
Welcome to the Roughnecks!!! https://t.co/sgL7n7O57T
— Casper Van Dien (@caspervandien) March 13, 2024
To date, neither Van Dien nor Arrowhead has released a statement addressing the tweet and its deletion, but his continued support for Helldivers 2 on social media, coupled with his rallying cry against the game’s insect foes – “The only good bug is a dead bug!” – keeps the spirit of Starship Troopers alive within the Helldivers 2 community.
The playful denial by Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead, regarding new flying terminids in the game, is another example of how the game mirrors the satirical tone of Starship Troopers. Pilestedt’s assertion that this is “pro-bug propaganda” fits seamlessly into the darkly comedic narrative that both the game and the film embrace.
With that said, the Roughnecks, Rico’s iconic unit in Starship Troopers, embody the grit and camaraderie that binds the majority of the Helldivers 2 community together. This is a connection that, coupled with Van Dien’s willingness, presents a potential goldmine. An official crossover with Van Dien, perhaps with him voicing a commanding officer or providing additional voices for player characters, would delight fans old enough to remember his role in the cult classic film.
The passion Van Dien has for his role as Johnny Rico, demonstrated through his willing participation in various related projects over the years, is rare. He has fully embraced his time in the Starship Troops franchise, which is another reason why a collaboration with Helldivers 2 would work so well.
As Helldivers 2 continues to dominate gaming sessions with its compelling combat and strategy, the prospect of a Starship Troopers crossover – whether through Van Dien’s involvement or thematic nods to the Roughnecks – remains an exciting possibility.
For now, players can only wait for whatever else Joel has in store forHelldivers 2.
