Jason Momoa is no longer attached to star in PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures’ film adaptation of the popular video game franchise Helldivers. The reason for the actor’s departure is unknown. The project, however, is still alive and Sony is looking for someone else to step into the role.
It’s a real setback for the film’s director, Justin Lin. At CinemaCon back in April, he expressed that the feature was about to begin filming in New Zealand, and called him “the only person who I think can pull this off.”
That version still remains in the works at Sony Pictures. The feature’s script was penned by Gary Dauberman (It, Until Dawn). Producers include Hutch Parker, PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash and Justin Lin’s company, Perfect Storm Entertainment.
At least, then, the November 2027 release date was looking doable for a big-budget film. They can’t have the replacement take too long either. It might look bad for the film’s production schedule. That could push up that date. It’s not a trivial worry for a property of this size.
Source Material Gives them Plenty to Work With
Moreover, the source material should give the film’s new star plenty of material to work with. The game, Helldivers 2, sold more than 12 million units on the PlayStation 5 and PC. All in the four months after its 2024 launch (and has an 82 rating on Metacritic). Players have already drawn comparisons between Helldivers’ hard-charging commandos and Starship Troopers (1997).
Which actor should Sony be casting for this role? Well first, you need someone who can physically carry the first person. Someone who can flex their natural charisma, and who can do action with a wink.
Dave Bautista would bring real comedy timing, and serious action credibility. The tone of this movie practically requires that. Alan Ritchson has slowly risen up into one of the most intriguing physical leads we have at the moment. He’s funny and sharp when he’s given time. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is very grounded, and would keep the film from becoming just an over-the-top sci-fi. Idris Elba is a few notches above everybody, and could carry a squad-based sci-fi movie with nobody else needed on screen.
This was a Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions collaboration on Uncharted, with Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg. The film added $407 million together in worldwide box office.
