Neill Blomkamp, the director of the highly successful movie District 9 teams up with star and friend Sharlto Copley for their next sci-fi film: Elysium. The premise takes place in a future on a distant planet, and like District 9, there will be sociopolitical themes in the sci-fi story.

With the budget for Elysium worked out, Blomkamp and co. are meeting with actor reps to begin casting. They’re also looking for a distributor, but considering that Blomkamp’s District 9 earned  2009’s 10 Best Picture nominations — it shouldn’t be a problem.

It’s refreshing to see Neill Blomkamp spearheading another original film despite Sony Pictures pushing for a sequel for District 9. I’m looking forward to Elysium.

[Deadline]