Arrowhead Studios Discusses Helldivers 2 Movie Plans

Summary

• Arrowhead Game Studios' CCO Johan Pilestedt has clarified the studio's involvement 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 hopeful that Arrowhead's involvement will ensure the movie remains true to the game's themes, avoiding clichéd plots like "gamer wakes up in Helldivers universe."
• Sony announced the Helldivers 2 movie alongside a Horizon Zero Dawn adaptation and a Ghost of Tsushima animation at CES 2025.

The much-anticipated adaptation of the popular co-op third-person shooter, Helldivers 2, is set to hit the big screen, following Sony's announcement at CES 2025. Alongside this exciting news, Sony also revealed plans for a Horizon Zero Dawn movie and a Ghost of Tsushima animation, promising a thrilling lineup of game-to-screen projects.

Helldivers 2, launched in February 2024, quickly gained acclaim for its intense combat against Terminids and Automatons, combined with its humorous camaraderie. As Arrowhead Game Studios continues to develop updates through 2025, the team remains open to community feedback to shape their next project following the success of Helldivers 2.

The Helldivers 2 movie is a collaborative effort between Sony Productions and Sony Pictures. While Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, has kept further details under wraps, the Helldivers community has been vocal about their desire for Arrowhead's involvement to preserve the integrity of the source material. Responding to fans on Twitter, Johan Pilestedt confirmed Arrowhead's participation but emphasized the studio's limited expertise in filmmaking, 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.”

The community's enthusiasm for the movie stems from their wish to see the film capture the essence of the game. Fans are particularly keen to avoid clichéd storylines, such as a "gamer wakes up in Helldivers universe" plot, and many believe Arrowhead should have significant input on the script, theme, and aesthetic. One notable fan suggestion was to keep the Helldivers' helmets on throughout the movie to maintain authenticity.

Comparisons have been drawn between Helldivers 2 and the 1997 cult classic, Starship Troopers, directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on Robert A. Heinlein's novel. Both stories involve a militaristic society engaged in interstellar conflict with alien species. However, fans are hopeful that the Helldivers 2 movie will distinguish itself, perhaps by featuring unique alien adversaries distinct from the common insectoid foes seen in Starship Troopers.

With Arrowhead's involvement and the passionate feedback from the community, the Helldivers 2 movie has the potential to be a faithful and thrilling adaptation that honors the spirit of the beloved game.