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, 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 eager for Arrowhead's involvement to ensure the movie remains faithful to the game’s themes, rejecting ideas such as "gamer wakes up in Helldivers universe."
• Sony unveiled the Helldivers 2 movie alongside a Horizon Zero Dawn film adaptation and a Ghost of Tsushima animation at CES 2025.

The much-anticipated Helldivers 2 is making its way to the big screen, following Sony's announcement of a live-action movie at CES 2025. Alongside this exciting news, Sony also revealed plans for a Horizon Zero Dawn movie adaptation and a Ghost of Tsushima animation. Helldivers 2, a co-op third-person shooter, captivated audiences upon its release in February 2024 with its intense battles against Terminids and Automatons, and its humor-infused camaraderie. As Arrowhead Game Studios continues to develop new content for Helldivers 2 in 2025, CCO Johan Pilestedt has expressed openness to community feedback for shaping their next project.

The Helldivers 2 movie is a joint venture between Sony Productions and Sony Pictures, though specifics remain under wraps, as confirmed by Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions. The Helldivers community, fiercely protective of the game's essence, has been vocal about wanting Arrowhead involved in the movie's development. In response, Pilestedt admitted to dodging the question but confirmed the studio's participation, emphasizing their lack of expertise in filmmaking and their belief that they should not have the final say in the movie's production.

Helldivers enthusiasts are clear about their expectations for the movie: it must capture the game's unique tone and atmosphere. Fans have expressed concerns over potential deviations, such as a plot where a gamer finds themselves in the Helldivers universe. There's a strong sentiment that Arrowhead should have significant influence over the script, theme, and visual style to maintain the game's integrity. Some fans have even suggested that the iconic Helldivers should never remove their helmets on screen.

While the Helldivers 2 movie promises an action-packed cinematic experience, comparisons to the cult classic Starship Troopers have surfaced. Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 novel, Starship Troopers features a militaristic Earth-based federation battling alien Arachnids. Gamers hope that Helldivers 2 will distinguish itself from this film, perhaps by avoiding the overused trope of insectoid aliens.