Summary
- Arrowhead Game Studios' CCO Johan Pilestedt discussed the studio's role in the upcoming Helldivers 2 movie adaptation, stating, "We are not Hollywood people, and we don’t know what it takes to make a movie...and therefore we don’t, and shouldn’t, have final say."
- Fans are hopeful that Arrowhead's involvement will keep the movie true to the game's themes, rejecting ideas such as a "gamer wakes up in Helldivers universe" plot.
- Sony unveiled the Helldivers 2 movie, a Horizon Zero Dawn adaptation, and a Ghost of Tsushima animation at CES 2025.
The world of Helldivers is set to expand beyond gaming as Sony announced a live-action movie based on the successful co-op third-person shooter, Helldivers 2, during CES 2025. Alongside this exciting news, Sony also revealed plans for a Horizon Zero Dawn movie and a Ghost of Tsushima animation, showcasing a robust lineup of gaming-to-screen adaptations.
Helldivers 2, launched in February 2024, quickly gained a dedicated following due to its intense combat against Terminids and Automatons, combined with its humorous camaraderie. As Arrowhead Game Studios continues to support Helldivers 2 with updates throughout 2025, they are also laying the groundwork for their next project, welcoming community feedback to shape their future endeavors.
The Helldivers 2 movie is a joint venture between Sony Productions and Sony Pictures. While Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, has kept details under wraps, the Helldivers community has been vocal about wanting Arrowhead involved to ensure the film remains faithful to the game. Johan Pilestedt, CCO of Arrowhead, finally addressed these concerns on Twitter, confirming the studio's involvement but emphasizing their limited role due to their lack of expertise in filmmaking.
Fans are passionate about maintaining the essence of Helldivers in the movie, particularly in terms of tone, script, and action. There's a strong desire to avoid clichéd plots like a "gamer waking up in the Helldivers universe." Many believe Arrowhead should have significant influence over the script, theme, and aesthetic to preserve the game's unique identity. Additionally, some fans feel strongly that the iconic helmets of the Helldivers should never be removed in the film.
While the Helldivers 2 movie promises an action-packed experience, comparisons to the cult classic Starship Troopers have surfaced. The 1997 film, directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 novel, features a similar theme of a militaristic society fighting an interstellar war against alien insects. Fans are eager for the Helldivers 2 movie to differentiate itself, perhaps by steering clear of the typical alien bug trope.
