Arrowhead Studios Discusses Helldivers 2 Movie Plans

Summary

• Arrowhead Game Studios CCO Johan Pilestedt discussed the studio's role in the upcoming Helldivers 2 movie adaptation, emphasizing that "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 eager for Arrowhead's involvement to ensure the movie remains true to the game's themes, rejecting ideas like "gamer wakes up in Helldivers universe."
• 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 with the announcement of a live-action Helldivers 2 movie from Sony. Arrowhead Game Studios, the creators of the popular co-op third-person shooter, have confirmed their involvement in the project. During CES 2025, Sony also revealed plans for a Horizon Zero Dawn movie and a Ghost of Tsushima animation, showcasing their commitment to bringing their gaming IPs to the big screen.

Helldivers 2, launched in February 2024, quickly gained a following due to its intense combat against Terminids and Automatons, combined with its humorous camaraderie. As Arrowhead continues to develop updates for Helldivers 2 throughout 2025, they are also looking ahead to their next project, actively seeking community feedback to shape its early development stages.

Sony Productions and Sony Pictures are collaborating on the Helldivers 2 movie, though specifics remain under wraps. Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, has kept details close to the chest. Given the protective nature of the Helldivers community, fans have been vocal about wanting Arrowhead's involvement to preserve the integrity of the source material. Pilestedt addressed these concerns on Twitter, acknowledging the studio's participation but clarifying their limited role in the filmmaking process.

The Helldivers community is passionate about maintaining the game's unique tone in the movie adaptation. Fans are particularly against clichéd plotlines such as a "gamer wakes up in Helldivers universe" scenario, and many believe Arrowhead should have significant influence over the script, themes, and visual style. One fan even suggested that the iconic Helldivers should never remove their helmets on screen.

While the Helldivers 2 movie promises thrilling action, comparisons to the cult classic Starship Troopers are inevitable. The 1997 film, directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on Robert A. Heinlein's novel, features a similar premise of a militaristic society at war with alien insects. Fans hope the Helldivers 2 movie will distinguish itself, perhaps by steering away from the familiar insectoid adversaries.