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Paul Verhoeven has always had a remarkably open attitude towards nudity in film, and the making of Starship Troopers is a clear testament to this bold approach.
A Director Who Embraces Nudity
Verhoeven is not your typical director; his perspective on onscreen nudity is refreshingly candid. If there’s one film that epitomizes his philosophy, it is undoubtedly Starship Troopers. The film’s history is multifaceted—initially landing as a box office failure, it has since gained a devoted cult following. What’s particularly noteworthy about this film is a specific scene where the entire cast appeared nude, including Verhoeven himself, who decided to join in on the revelry.
A Candid Scene of Collective Nudity
When it comes to portraying nudity, Verhoeven has never shown hesitation. His filmography is filled with instances of nudity and sexuality, including titles such as Turkish Delights, Basic Instinct, and Showgirls. However, in Starship Troopers, he truly cemented his reputation as the king of on-screen nudity.
The film features a collective shower scene early on, in which Verhoeven wanted his actors, especially Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer, to appear as they were born. Initially, the cast was wary of stripping down. In a moment of playful negotiation, Dina Meyer, who played the beloved Dizzy Flores, proposed a deal to the director: if he wanted his actors to be fully nude, he would have to set an example by joining them.
To everyone’s surprise, Verhoeven and director of photography Jost Vacano disrobed in solidarity with the cast. Meyer later recalled that despite some initial discomfort, it eased the atmosphere and allowed them to proceed with filming seamlessly.
Unexpected Antics on Set
The surprises didn’t end there. Casper Van Dien and Jake Busey had concocted a prank in advance of filming. They secretly stashed away an XXL prosthetic penis, which turned the day into one that was both unforgettable and, perhaps for some, better left forgotten. This spirit of fun was integral to the film’s chaotic and irreverent tone, making it a memorable shoot for everyone involved.
A Box Office Bomb That Became a Cult Classic
Starship Troopers offers an adventurous narrative underscored by an anti-militaristic message, which failed to resonate with audiences upon its release. Set in the 24th century, it portrays a federation governed by the ideals of order and virtue. However, when a race of arachnid aliens threatens humanity—devastating Buenos Aires in mere minutes—a group of five enthusiastic high school graduates embarks on a daring mission into outer space to confront this grave threat.
Despite the initial lukewarm response, the film has amassed a cult following, captivating 82.8 million viewers worldwide. Even streaming giant Netflix couldn’t resist the allure of a sequel. Critics were sharply divided; The New York Times described it as a “disturbed and dreadful” film. With a production budget of $105 million, it grossed just $121 million globally—falling short of profitability by traditional cinematic standards. However, the passage of time and word-of-mouth have transformed this once-maligned movie into a beloved classic, celebrating its 25th anniversary as a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling.
