You might say Sony’s plans to bring a live-action Helldivers movie to theaters have…gone to Hell. But yeah, maybe don’t say that if you work for Sony. Director Justin Lin’s planned adaptation is probably a pretty sore subject at both the studio and PlayStation headquarters at the moment. Jason Momoa has unexpectedly dropped out of the film for unknown reasons. But his departure won’t mark the end of the project. The Helldivers movie is now seeking a new star to keep Super Earth super safe.
Deadline reports Jason Momoa will no longer headline Sony’s big screen take on the best-selling video game franchise. As of now it’s unclear why the Supergirl and Dune: Part Three star stepped away from the film. Needless to say this poses a big time crunch on the movie. We only learned he would star in the intergalactic war film earlier this year. It’s supposed to premiere on November 10, 2027.
Regardless of when it comes out now, it’s coming out eventually. Or at least it is once Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions can find a new big name to take over its suddenly abandoned leading role. Deadline says they have already begun looking.
Since Momoa leaves both literal and metaphorical big shoes to fill, that will be easier said than done. But live-action video game adaptations have never been hotter (because they’ve never been better), so it’s no surprise Sony and PlayStation are eager to make a Helldivers movie. The video game’s two installments have been a huge success with gamers. Helldivers 2 alone has sold more than 12 million copies since its release in 2024.
As for why Momoa left, it could be as simple as not having the time or even the old “creative differences.” But “why” is not the concern for Justin Lin and the studio now. It’s “who,” as in who is going to replace him.
With the game’s built-in audience, though, we don’t actually think it will be hell to replace Momoa. Someone is going to be super excited to keep Super Earth safe.