Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions have enlisted Fast & Furious director Justin Lin to helm the live-action adaptation of the Helldivers video game series. The project, inspired by the co-op shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios, builds on the franchise's success following Helldivers 2's 2024 breakout. Lin will also produce the film, which draws from the games' premise of elite troopers defending Super Earth against alien threats.
Announcement Details
The Helldivers movie was first confirmed in January 2025 during Sony's CES press conference. Recent reports from The Hollywood Reporter reveal that Justin Lin, known for directing Fast & Furious films 3 through 6, has been tapped to direct the adaptation. Lin is also producing via his Perfect Storm Entertainment, alongside Hutch Parker, PlayStation Productions' Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan.
Production Team and Script
The script comes from Gary Dauberman, who previously wrote It and Annabelle. The film aims to capture the essence of the Helldivers series, which launched in 2015 and saw Helldivers 2 sell over 12 million copies on PS5 and PC in its first four months of 2024. The story revolves around elite troopers battling Bugs, Cyborgs, and the Illuminate to protect the empire of Super Earth, echoing influences from Starship Troopers.
Context and Lin's Involvement
This project fits into Sony and PlayStation Productions' expanding slate of game adaptations, including Uncharted, which grossed $407 million globally, as well as upcoming efforts like Twisted Metal and HBO's The Last of Us. Lin's directing credits include Star Trek Beyond and several Fast & Furious entries that have collectively earned over $2.6 billion worldwide. His recent work includes the film Last Days, which premiered at Sundance, and he has upcoming projects like One-Punch Man and Netflix's Brzrkr adaptation.
No release date has been announced, but with a completed script and Lin attached, production is advancing steadily.