‘Helldivers’: Jason Momoa Exits Video Game Adaptation!!

Honestly, if you want “managed democracy” to succeed across the galaxy, you’re going to have to accept there will be a few intergalactic speed bumps along the way. This is one of those occasions. Sony and PlayStation Productions have been steadily building out their gaming-to-screen empire, but their latest big gamble has just been hit with a big setback.

Jason Momoa has exited Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions’ upcoming Helldivers movie, which is being directed by Justin Lin. The reason for Momoa’s departure is currently unknown, according to Deadline, but the project is still very much alive, with Sony now searching for a new star. Helldivers is still expected to hit theaters on November 10, 2027. However, this might be an opportunity for Sony to re-examine what a Helldivers movie should actually be, because the idea of it having one single star instead of a cavalcade of stars who replace each other with every hilariously gory and painful death almost misses the point. Official plot details are under wraps currently, but it shouldn’t be too tough to figure out where it’ll go.

The original Helldivers game launched in 2015 as a cooperative shooter, putting players in the role of elite soldiers fighting to protect Super Earth from the enemies of mankind. Helldivers 2 expanded that world enormously, sending players into an explosive intergalactic war as soldiers spreading peace, liberty, and Managed Democracy. With, you know, missiles, space lasers, and hellfire from the skies. The movie is being produced by Hutch Parker, PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash, and Justin Lin through his Perfect Storm Entertainment banner. Lin is best known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, so a big-budget sci-fi that’s laced with humor and knowing winks is probably right in his wheelhouse.

What Other Sony PlayStation Games Have Been Adapted?

Sony and PlayStation Productions have already found big success adapting games for film and television. Their previous projects include Uncharted, starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, which grossed $407 million worldwide, along with Peacock’s Twisted Metal and HBO’s award-winning The Last of Us. Helldivers is the next move in that big strategy after Helldivers 2 sold more than 12 million units across PlayStation 5 and PC in its first four months after launching in 2024.