Heinlein’s “Citizen of the Galaxy” being developed as animated film by Lex+Otis Studios

Lex+Otis Studios is developing an animated feature film based on the 1957 sci-fi novel Citizen of the Galaxy by Robert A. Heinlein. The movie is being directed by veteran animator Jay Oliva, with a script written by Luke Lieberman.

The film is an action-adventure and coming-of-age story centered on an orphaned boy named Thorby who is sold into slavery. His life changes after an encounter with a mysterious beggar, setting him on a journey that could impact the fate of the galaxy.

This will be one of the few Heinlein stories that has not been adapted for film or television. The production is currently in the visual development stage, with a potential release window of early 2027. The project is a “come-full-circle” moment for director Jay Oliva, who began his career on Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, which was also based on a Heinlein novel.