Paul Verhoeven is set to make his return to Hollywood with a political thriller,Young Sinner, written by Edward Neumeier (RoboCop, Starship Troopers). Verhoeven hasn’t made an English-language film since 2000’sHollow Man. That’s not to say he hasn’t kept busy, though. Since his departure from Hollywood, Verhoeven has churned out some provocative but spectacular international films, like his latest,Benedetta, a biographical film about two nuns having a love affair in 17th century Italy, and the 2016 French psychological thriller,Elle. His 2006 war film,Black Book(2006),was voted by the Dutch public as the best Dutch film ever made.
Paul Verhoevencertainly hasn’t lost his touch and is still the legendary filmmaker known for helming iconic Hollywood movies likeRoboCop, Total Recall, andBasic Instinct.
For his next film,Young Sinner,Verhoeven is working with Edward Neumeier.Young Sinneris described as a political thriller with erotic themes. In a recent interview with MovieMaker, Verhoeven and Neumeier talked in detail about their collaboration. About the plot, Neumeier said,
“Young Sinner is a political thriller set in Washington, D.C. Our heroine, a young staffer who works for a powerful Senator, is drawn into a web of international intrigue and danger, and of course there is also a little sex.”
Verhoeven added, “I’m really thinking that what Neumeier and I, at this moment, want to do with this script,Young Sinner, will be an innovative version ofmovies likeFatal AttractionandBasic Instinct. And it would not be adding all kinds of digital elements. As little as possible.” It seems like Verhoeven wants to take inspiration from the erotic thrillers of the 90s forYoung Sinner. The Dutch filmmaker further revealed that he has been considering making this movie for the last decade or so, incorporating similar themes into his movies,Black BookandElleas well. But unlike those niche films,Young Sinnerwill be “more explosive, and more open-minded to a big audience.”
In addition to the political intrigue and erotica,Young Sinnerwill also have a less serious tone and will include satire. “We have been consulting with a former intelligence officer, Ron Marks, who is trying to keep us real about Capitol Hill and the spy business, but satire always seems to emerge when Paul and I work together, so I expect our new adventure will have a light tone,” Neumeier said.
Verhoeven is currently busy promoting his filmBenedetta, which opened in theaters on July 24, 2025. The director has been mired in controversy since the film’s premiere at theCannes Film Festivalthis summer. He has received both criticism and praise for the portrayal of sexuality inBenedetta. The film follows a 17th-century nun in Italy who suffers from disturbing religious and erotic visions and develops a love affair with another nun.Benedettais a biographical film loosely based on the 1986 non-fiction bookImmodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italyby Judith C. Brown.
Paul Verhoeven’snew movieBenedettastars Virginie Efira in the titular role, with Lambert Wilson, Daphne Patakia, Charlotte Rampling, and Olivier Rabourdin.Benedettawill be available on VOD from December 21. This news originated atMovieMaker.
