In new sure to get science fiction fans very psyched, Ridley Scott is looking to return to science fiction for the first time since 1997's GI Jane, and he's planning on doing it in a big way, by adapting a scifi war novel called The Forever War.

The book, written by Joe Haldeman (no relation to HR, as far as I can tell), is about a galactic war between humans and a race called the Taurens. Besides focusing on your usual bleeding heart sissy war is bad themes*, the book also deals with the concept of time dilation in interstellar travel. To wit: the war spans 700 years, but for characters who are jetting from one end of the galaxy to the other to fight it, only 7 has passed. That's an awesome concept, and one that isn't explored much in science fiction films. Plus I bet it makes a killer metaphor for the soldier returning home to a country he no longer recognizes and that no longer recognizes him.

Scott's been interested in adapting the book for a while, apparently. "I first pursued ‘Forever War’ 25 years ago, and the book has only grown more timely and relevant since," he says. "It’s a science-fiction epic, a bit of ‘The Odyssey’ by way of ‘Blade Runner,’ built upon a brilliant, disorienting premise."

Of course the 71 year old director may need some time dilation of his own to see this ambitious production come to fruition. He still has Nottingham on his schedule, and after that he has a backlog of projects that could be next. Having become very intrigued by the premise of the book, I'm hoping that he clears the deck and makes this one next.

*Haldeman served in Vietnam.