Arrowhead Studios Discusses Helldivers 2 Movie Plans

The announcement of a live-action Helldivers 2 movie by Sony has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans, especially regarding Arrowhead Game Studios' involvement. During CES 2025, Sony not only unveiled the Helldivers 2 film but also announced a Horizon Zero Dawn movie adaptation and a Ghost of Tsushima animation, showcasing a robust lineup of gaming-to-screen projects.

Helldivers 2, the co-op third-person shooter that launched in February 2024, quickly gained a following due to its intense combat against Terminids and Automatons, coupled with its humorous camaraderie. As Arrowhead Game Studios looks to the future, they are actively developing the next game to follow Helldivers 2, with ongoing updates planned for 2025 on Super Earth. The studio remains open to community feedback to shape their upcoming project.

Sony's announcement revealed that the Helldivers 2 movie is a joint effort between Sony Productions and Sony Pictures. However, Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, kept further details under wraps. Given the protective nature of the Helldivers community towards the source material, fans have been eager to know Arrowhead's role in the film's development. Johan Pilestedt, CCO of Arrowhead, addressed this on Twitter, admitting he had been avoiding the question. He confirmed Arrowhead's involvement but emphasized their limitations, 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."

Helldivers 2 Dev Touches on Arrowhead's Involvement in Movie Adaptation

The Helldivers community is passionate about maintaining the game's unique tone in the movie adaptation. Fans are advocating for Arrowhead's significant involvement to ensure the script and action remain true to the game's essence. Concerns have been raised about potential deviations, such as a plot where a "gamer wakes up in the Helldivers universe," which the community strongly opposes. Many believe Arrowhead should have the final say on the script, theme, and aesthetic to preserve the game's integrity. One fan even suggested that the Helldivers should never remove their helmets, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the game's identity.

While the prospect of a Helldivers 2 movie promises thrilling action, comparisons to the cult classic Starship Troopers have emerged. Directed by Paul Verhoeven in 1997 and based on Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 novel, Starship Troopers features a militant Earth-based United Citizen Federation at war with alien Arachnids. Fans hope that Helldivers 2 will distinguish itself from Starship Troopers, perhaps by avoiding the trope of insectoid aliens.