Jason Momoa, one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors, has been cast as the lead in Sony Pictures’ upcoming live-action film adaptation of the hit sci-fi shooter video game Helldivers. This news adds another major project to Momoa’s already packed schedule, which includes roles in Supergirl, Dune: Part Three, and more.
The Rise of ‘Helldivers’
The Helldivers franchise began with the isometric shooter released by Arrowhead Game Studios in 2015. Players take on the role of elite shock troopers defending “Super Earth” from alien threats like the Bugs, Cyborgs, and Illuminate. While the original game had modest success, it was the 2024 sequel, Helldivers 2, that propelled the series into mainstream gaming culture.
Switching to third-person gameplay, Helldivers 2 quickly became a sales juggernaut, surpassing 20 million copies sold across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. The game’s success prompted Sony and PlayStation Productions to officially greenlight the film adaptation in January 2025.
What to Expect From the Movie
The Helldivers movie will be directed by Justin Lin, known for his work on the Fast and Furious franchise. The project is being produced by Hutch Parker, Asad Qizilbash from PlayStation Productions, and Lin’s Perfect Storm Entertainment.
Early comparisons have been drawn between Helldivers and the 1997 sci-fi satire Starship Troopers. Both franchises feature over-the-top military action and explore themes of authoritarianism and the cost of maintaining a hyper-nationalist society.
The movie is expected to adapt elements from Helldivers 2, meaning audiences can expect chaotic, fast-paced combat and a dark, satirical take on patriotic warfare. The film will likely delve into the franchise’s unique setting, where players blindly serve a totalitarian regime under the guise of “managed democracy.”
The Helldivers movie is poised to capitalize on the game’s explosive popularity, offering a fresh, action-packed addition to the sci-fi genre. Production details and a release date remain undisclosed at this time.
The combination of Momoa’s star power and the franchise’s proven track record suggests that the Helldivers adaptation has the potential to become a major blockbuster.
