CASPER VAN DIEN: Starship Troopers Resurgence, Defending Ironside & Leaving Bootcamp for Hollywood

[@gabetrix]

Dude Johnny Rico is on the pod!? What an absolute legend!!!

[@TheJackOfAllTrades82]

I'm a combat Veteran of the Iraq War 2004, Airborne Infantry! I didn't understand at the time Starship Troopers was satire, I was 13 when I saw it. It's crazy how my experience playing high school football, having the old Veteran teacher telling me stories of the old days, 9/11 attacks and my deployment to Iraq was eerily similar to Johnny Rico, obviously without the bugs and love story. Most of us Grunts all watched the same movies growing up, Braveheart, Full Metal Jacket, The Patriot, Starship Troopers, Rambo, Predator, Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Hamburger Hill, Apocalypse Now, etc, etc! I think most of us that wanted to do the right thing and be good soldiers were inspired by the characters and leads in these movies.

[@xzonia1]

Thank you for your service ❤

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Sua Sponte brother, looks like we had a lot of the same experiences in early life. I was in for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and my mentor had been a Ranger in 'nam and he pushed me to join and make it to Battalion. If you can find it, there's a great R. Lee Ermey film called Siege of Firebase Gloria, IMO one of the best 'nam flicks, showing both the American side and the Vietnamese side of things.

[@davidmarlajurek5038]

God bless you and thank you for your service 🙏

[@tmm4461]

​@@eloquentsarcasmR Lee Ermey is an example of great actors not needing any acting school.

[@TheJackOfAllTrades82]

@@eloquentsarcasm Rangers Lead the Way!

[@OMGWTFBBQKITTEN]

Starship Troopers is one of those movies with infinite replay value. No matter how many times you see it and know whats going to happen, it never fails to entertain you. Ive even enjoyed many you tubers doing reaction videos to it. This interview was amazing. Thank you.

[@andreford5979]

"I have two ex-wives, so I know I'm not popular with everyone" was so charming

[@Ruleof2Review]

I remember opening weekend seeing Starship Troopers when I was a sophomore in high school. Pretty much my entire school saw it. And the following Monday EVERYONE was talking about it and raving about it. One of the best movies I’ve ever seen! I didn’t know a single person (high schoolers, granted) who didn’t flat out love it. What a time. I love Casper.

[@kadosho02]

🫡to Casper's family, thank you for your service. Taking care of your loved ones. Totally understand. It is a huge responsibility, but thankful for every day. My dad was a Veteran from Nam. Sadly lost him to cancer in late March. Casper is an amazing talent, loved his work since the beginning. Always fun to see him bringing characters to life

[@freddiefan1973]

My dad is a Vietnam Vet, most of his time he served as a corpsman on a hospital ship. Brought a smile to his face when I told him that one of my customers, who was a Marine in Vietnam, told me to thank him for his service because he was treated on the same ship my dad served on (one of the few things about his actual service that he's really smiled about)

[@pll9000]

I was a teenager in '97 when this movie was released and it blew me away. It's one of the most entertaining movies ever made. It more than aged well, it didn't age at all. I didn't fully get the satire then but I latched on to the very real sense of friendship and camaraderie shared between the main characters. I'm happy that Casper and crew are proud of this movie to this day.

[@gabetrix]

Smallville and Starship Troopers are my favorite franchises. This was a real treat, Michael!

[@SolidMikeP]

I was 13 at that time, my brothers had the flu, I asked my mother to take me to see Starship Troopers. I was absolutely obsessed with the movie, when leaving the theater, I will never forget my mother's words "I think I am going to be sick" she was in shock due to all the gore and carnage. A year later my parents had the "black box" installed at our home, and guess what was on, STARSHIP TROOPERS, I watched it every day, a couple times a day for months. Thank you Casper!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markmaddox9303]

This is just confirmation for me that Casper is a great guy. Nice job.

[@zapokoin6133]

Starship Troopers is a great movie. I think the movie and actors will never be forgotten. already legendary

[@TRKTKO]

I was just telling my dad about Starship Troopers, such a sweet guy you can see how much he loves his family. Mad respect.

[@johnkoftexas]

I find myself smiling while watching most episodes, but especially this one. Starship Troopers was so amazing when I first watched it and gets better over the years. Nothing like it has ever come again. And what an amazing guest, Mr. Van Dien is such a genuine soul! Thanks for all you do, Inside of You staff!

[@FinalShineInc]

inside of you is the best pod cast IMO because these actors who to most of us are these massive mental projections of success and fame, are really just People with struggles just like the rest of us. Over the years i've listened to so many humanizing stories from these larger than life celebs that are really touching, thank you Michael for all your hard work; thank you for shinning a light on mental illness and actively speaking about it with your guests. cheers

[@hansjuker8296]

Perfect casting for Starship Troopers.

[@dormammusubjective5774]

I saw Starship Troopers in theaters when I was 10. My dad probably debated taking me, but I wouldn't stop bitching to see it. Nudity parts were awkward but felt right at home with the carnage. Some of it went over my head, but even I knew it wasn't taking itself seriously. This film and Face/Off from that year is when I became a big fan of film. Congrats to Casper on 29 years of sobriety. I've got 10 years so far. One of the best feelings in the world.

[@wootang28]

Michael Ironside needs to come on Inside of You. LOL.

[@theresemarkham9387]

I just finished listening to this interview and it was definitely delightful. Casper definitely opened up and he is so down to Earth. I highly enjoyed his behind the scenes stories. Star Ship Troopers is definitely iconic. Thank you for bringing us such a great and powerful interview.

[@echocheck]

A friend was on a TCM cruise with many celebrities and decided to wait for friends in a lounge which was deserted except for an old guy way across the room from him. The old guy motioned him to come over and talk. The guy was Ermest Borgnine and they sat and chatted for half an hour like they had known each other all their lives. He said that Mr. Borgnine gave him something to remember for the rest of his life. Truely a great guy.

[@creasefold1986]

Wow, thats awesome. Hes a legend!

[@robcoguy6909]

I remember my dad taking me to see Starship Troopers and we had a blast, i was like 11. I loved it so much, my dad found a bootleg so i could watch it months before the vhs release...turns out the workprint was floating around AS the bootleg with all the extended/cut scenes. It was a defining moment of my love of movies, realizing there's different cuts out there of movies worth seeking out.

[@acefoxuk]

Love Casper, wish he'd get offered more films, even small parts, need to see him on screen more.

[@theresemarkham9387]

Listening to this episode now and I am learning so much about him. Casper definitely opened up and he definitely made the right choice to move closer to his parents. I am learning so much about him. Thank you for a wonderful podcast.

[@lgr2284]

Rico! Starship Troopers is one of my faves of all time. Sweet.

[@brettbradshaw3297]

I have always enjoyed Casper as an actor, so thanks for having him on. Now I know that he is also a wonderful person. You do a great job as an interviewer, pulling the best out of the people you have on your show.

[@mscandylevar2444]

What a great episode! One of the best! Love Casper Van Dien what a beautiful soul ♥️ Thank you Michael you Rock!!

[@AniGrannyOG]

I saw Starship Troopers when it first came out. I was already a huge Robert Heinlein fan, but I hadn't read Starship Troopers yet at the time. We were honestly expecting a bad B movie, but we were blown away by how awesome it was. We all agreed that it was a top 10. I still watch it all the time.

[@P1Gman]

Starship Troopers is the most perfect movie ever made. I've watched it dozens of times a year since 97. It's been my favorite movie since I was a kid.

[@JackMelqart]

i watched Starship Troopers in 1997 at age 12.. loved it, still love it. and i know it is a Satire, but honestly, looking at the cultural and social shit-show we are in, and that kind of system starts to look appealing..

[@Chainsawhappy]

What a warm and wonderful interview. Casper is a class act.

[@daveweinstock]

Starship Troopers was my childhood. Still inspires me to this day. Very interesting conversation, great to see what fuels Caspar Van Dien.

[@jonny9884]

So cool hearing about Big Bob Mitchum, and that Grace is his great granddaughter ! Bob was my great aunt, godmother's neighbor. When things had settled down for the evening at his place, Bob would head over to my aunt's place to play bridge. He apparently had a genuine passion, love for the game, but no one at his place was interested in playing with him !

[@davidmarlajurek5038]

I am just enjoying watching this incredible interview. I have been a fan of Casper’s for over 30 years! So happy to see him happy, sober and still as excited about his craft as when he first appeared in the screen. And his story of the wounded hero brought tears to my eyes. I’m a proud daughter of a Marine. ❤ And, oh Ernest Borgnine!!!! What a lovely experience to share 😊

[@jamesmoriarty7796]

Casper seems like such a cool dude. I will always love his performance in Starship Troopers especially. What a classic.

[@complexend4133]

Anyone who's curious Grave Van Dien, Casper's daughter, is the cheerleaderl from the fourth season of Stranger Things who was (spoiler) the one who died at the beginning of the show and whose death site was the focal point of the craziness that ensued that whole season.

[@thegsk]

Whoa his daughter is Chrissy, Vecna's 1st victim?

[@xzonia1]

Oh, she did a great job in her part on that show! Felt so bad for her when she died. Love Stranger Things! Really wish they'd come back and do a concluding season. :)

[@ninjason57]

I actually remember Casper from a movie Omega Code!

[@KathyDNJ]

Love Casper....great guest!!!! Still watch STARSHIP TROOPERS often!!!

[@kevingutteron8431]

Loved this! My dad was also a Navy sub-hunter flying his P-3 Orion! Great stories!

[@banonKING]

I'm one of the people who saw Starship Troopers in theaters, when it came out, when I was 14. Loved it. Understood the satire, the second the School Teacher was encouraging her student to step on bugs. First gory movie that didn't scare me! And Immediately I went home and made a few Starcraft maps.

[@50shadesofgday64]

Whoever did the casting for starship troopers is a legend, every one in that movie is ridiculously good looking it's crazy. I refuse to see it as satire.

[@chadbryson4252]

Awesome interview. Starship troopers was one of my favorite books as a teen. The Movie satire took more than one viewing to appreciate cuz I went into it expecting the straight ahead military book I'd read, but Casper, Jake Busey, and the rest of the cast won me over.

[@jorgem.1564]

I just rewatched Starship a few weeks back. It's still fantastic!

[@suhueian]

What a wonderful episode!! Great questions Michael, the conversation was lively and fantastic, and getting to know Casper a bit more was a great treat!!

[@kalevipoeg6916]

Even in the 90s as a teen I lOVED Starship Troopers. I paused the shower scenes a lot, SURE, but I loved the REST of the film too. Robcop, too - an all-time favorite.

[@AdamtheGrey02]

I saw that movie back in '97 as well and it was around opening weekend and the theatre was quite full. I loved it too and I know exactly the theatre I went too as well. I used to see a lot of movies every year so when I remembered where I watched them, it means it was generally a special memory for me.

[@DennyLewis]

Starship troopers put the idea of the military in my head... I didnt know I needed it, but that silly movie changed how I felt about a life of service

[@ErikStone-z6m]

I loved Starship Troopers and so did my friends because we grew up in Wyoming near Hells Half Acre, where they filmed the bug planet scenes.

[@complexend4133]

thx for makin me cry casper :( 27 mins in

[@eloquentsarcasm]

I'll always love the book and the themes it talks of, BUT I also love the movie and its themes. Casper has always seemed like one of the good ones, humble, exuberant, just a solid guy.

[@Imyerda]

What a good guy . I knew there was a reason I liked him in everything. Cheers Michael .

[@Brook11223]

Michael Ironside is the GOAT. He is the definitive voice of Darkseid in my personal opinion from Superman: TAS to Justice League/Unlimited.

[@xzonia1]

If he's up for it, Rosey should invite Ironside to be on his podcast to chat and "bury the hatchet" as it were (though I imagine Ironside doesn't remember that moment at all, lol). I'd love to see that interview! I've loved every role I've seen Ironside play. Would be nice to hear about any upcoming projects he may have.

[@kevinpratt8476]

I don’t think Michael Ironside would ever interview for Mike. That would be an interesting interview. I’m waiting for him to interview Alison Mack add some point I think that would be a very interesting interview especially getting her perspective and what really happened even though I don’t think she would tell the whole story

[@kevinpratt8476]

I don’t think Michael Ironside would ever interview for Mike. That would be an interesting interview. I’m waiting for him to interview Alison Mack add some point I think that would be a very interesting interview especially getting her perspective and what really happened even though I don’t think she would tell the whole story

[@vhscopyofseinfeld]

Rico! You know what tew DO!

[@randyhughes8450]

I don't know myself if Michael Ironside would do an interview considering his medical condition he's been a hard-ass in movies for decades.Scanners, V final battle/V the series (non canon), Total Recall, seaQuest 2032 (formerly seaQuest DSV).

[@Synthetic-Rabbit]

I LOVE so many Paul Verhoeven movies.

[@shaunc8189]

Starship troopers is one of my all time favorite movies I seen it at least 6 times at the cinema and still now watch it at least once a month!!!

[@mikecroge]

Haha that’s so epic ! Casper coming to Cherry hill NJ live 5 mins down the road . Starship troopers is a classic

[@ace360]

Such a Awesome Guest!!!!🤯 I will always remember him fromStar Ship Troopers! Another great Tuesday 💙🤘

[@Nerdydan1]

At this point Michael's gotta get Ironside on the show. It could be very healing or it could be SUPER awkward lol

[@PiliHalliwell]

I know although I don't think either of them are eager to do it

[@xzonia1]

I would hope these two men could have a laugh about that one moment and move on to have an enjoyable conversation about normal life struggles. I would imagine a lot of people have had a similar reaction to Ironside over the years, and he is probably capable of being compassionate about it to them. :)

[@purefoldnz3070]

he's been pretty ill recently

[@justing5732]

Dang Casper seems like such a cool dude. That Lex Luther comment made me laugh bigtime lol

[@pitpride1220]

One of my all time favorite Casper and Michael Rooker films is Skeleton Man. It was so bad it was good. It made me want to make films. It also let me know I could. It has a huge soft spot with me.

[@JamesSmith-yu2fu]

What a grade A interview. You are the Charlie Rose of Fantasy Films. But without the other stuff. You make people feel at ease, which makes them open up.

[@CaitlinFlesher]

He and ironsides are legendary in my book.

[@sofiathompson3531]

Cheers on the great guests you bring on and interviews you do Mr Rosenbaum!

[@assaywhat]

i hope there’s a mention of Helldivers.

[@tykjenffs]

I don't think anyone could be a better person than Casper ^

[@DHBat]

Casper seems like a thoroughly great guy.

[@dominique9187]

Starship Troopers and Paul Verhoven are great ❤❤ !! Very happy to learn more about Casper who has much sensitivity and humanity 👌💝 ! Another wonderful episode, among the best ones👍 Thank you Michael 💙💙👏👏 ! 💖💖Ryan !!

[@Mythos1981]

Watched Starship Troopers in the Cinema, grabbed the DVD when it came out and the Blu-Ray when it came out.

[@blanketfortressofsolitude5270]

The best part is seeing Casper turn into a 10 year old kid when he talks about his dad and how cool he still thinks of his dad to this day.

[@TheReaperOfTheNorth]

I remember staying up past midnight when I was 12 or 13 years old and watching Starship Troopers. Man, I fell in love with that movie! When I got older and actually thought about it, the fact that nudity was used as world building was very smart. Considering this book takes place in the future where all genders and races are treated equally, there's no reason to be weird about sharing bathrooms and showers. The gore? Mamma Mia, the gore was perfect! Got to love Casper Van Dien and Michael Ironside. And in the past 6 months, I've played Starship Troopers Terrain Command and Starship Troopers Extermination. It's truly a great time to be alive for a Starship Troopers fan. In the immortal words of General Rico: "Come on, you apes! Do you want to live forever?"

[@clarkparker4860]

This is crazy. I literally just watched Casper van Dien interview Alan Tudyk, from 6 years ago. Then this gets uploaded. 🤯

[@CalebByRamen]

Legend interviewing Legend. Cant get much better than this!

[@PACKYCSONE80]

So glad that Casper was in SST3!

[@scottciesielski6854]

I'm only like five minutes in but I am so mad that I never realized the argentina thing before like just now....thanks Archer

[@rozzykronfeld-wilbanks8759]

Wow what a great interview ❣️Of course loved Starship Troopers. I get helping your parents. If you have great parents you do everything you can when they are old and need help.

[@digipimp75]

Great dude. I've always loved Casper.

[@DavesEmpire1981]

Starship Troopers is among my favorite movies

[@bullstag47]

Another good one in the can. Great job guys!

[@TheDogDad]

Awesome interview. CVD seems like a great guy.

[@m.scottreeder]

I’m 60 years old, and I used to frequent the movie theaters since the late 1970s. But then I stopped in the ‘90s. The VERY LAST movie I went to go see, as it was originally released in the theaters, was “Starship Troopers”. That was in late 1997 when I was living in Lubbock, Texas. I haven’t been to a cinema since then. “Starship Troopers” was an excellent motion picture. I enjoyed it, and this actor was perfect for the part.

[@lindamawdsley6130]

Loved this lively interview you covered so many interesting topics especially the one about aliens🛸will definitely be checking out Casper’s work🙂Thanks for a great episode 🤩

[@BrianTubbs]

Great interview. I had to look up the western that he starred in with Ernest Borgnine. Now, “Aces N Eights” is on my to-watch list.

[@nemospodcast6766]

I remember watching starship troopers in the movies when I was a kid.

[@JohnnyTrux]

I love this dude! Go Johnny, Go!

[@JohnnyTrux]

This makes for a great Fathers Day episode

[@saveversus]

So happy to see CVD doing well. If you haven't seen it, lookup CVD previewing Helldivers 2. It's fantastic.

[@indie-mox7473]

Seeing a few comments about bringing Ironside in for an episode. I would Love this just so they could talk about working on the DCAU. Being directed by Andrea Romano. The Legacy of those shows. Superman & Justice League especially.

[@ryandeffley7652]

There was a made for TV time travel movie called "Thrill Seekers" with CVD that was actually decent. It came out 25 years ago. Time is literally flying.

[@swah25]

I was in the Marines from 2004 - 2008. There was a year where all you heard from the barracks rooms was the into to Smallville because everyone was watching it. The funny thing is no one owned all the seasons that were out. You had to find the season you needed from someone else.

[@blastershogun]

Mr Van Dien, you are da man ! I will always say this : SST is the first movie I watched after Basic Training ! I got the SST movie poster when I was posted in Thailand. I got the book by Robert Heinlein later and that got me thru my military service 😅

[@2ndHandHero]

Pretty stoked to watch this one!

[@andrewaaberg482]

Lex Luther does amazing interviews. Stumbled on your channel a while back and it took me a solid day to figure out where I recognized ya from but I love the show!

[@jasonb9562]

Casper did his time in the military. Mobile Infantry. Battle of Klendathu and Big K

[@alexp601]

Man what a great guy. Low-key one of my favourite actors. Would've been great to see him do more.

[@elrevesyelderecho]

5:15 now makes sense why Johnny Rico was a perfect performance.

[@leannepritchett6323]

Cool guy, great interview. Day made 😊❤️🙏.

[@xzonia1]

Yeah, I really enjoyed hearing him talk about Starship Troopers and all the topics they covered! :)

[@Mark_o_Helm]

Starship Troopers is my favorite military movie. Also, better help is a scam.😁

[@Like-a-PROinBERLIN]

I can not remember when I thought ever after just a couple of seconds "What an awesome nice guy!"

[@chrisburns514]

I’m from Buenos Aires and I say LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE

[@TheCaptainSlappy]

An Adventures of Saber Raine episode! Very nice.

[@SJReid82]

More of a fan of the Starship Trooper source material admittedly, but I love the movie for everything that the book isn't. Funny thing is I remember when the movie came out, my dad - who was a former RSM in the Canadian army - once said that Casper Van Dien was the one guy in the movie who seemed 'actually authentic' in the role. Casper's experience at a military academy clearly really paid dividends in capturing the essence of that roll. Casper's great, and his daughter Grace is pretty fantastic too; played a great role in Stranger Things.

[@Brook11223]

You got Caged b**** from the Mortal Kombat digital series was so good. Perfectly cast in the role of the fading action star. I wish that series had continued on because you had some good stars. I had no idea he was related to the author Mark Twain.

[@solarplexus4003]

Casper showing off his acting skills there. LOL