Arrowhead Game Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, Johan Pilestedt, recently provided some insight into the studio’s involvement with the upcoming Helldivers 2 movie adaptation. In his own words, Pilestedt mentioned, “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 of the game are hopeful that Arrowhead’s input will help ensure the film remains true to the original game’s themes, steering clear of clichéd concepts like “a gamer waking up in the Helldivers universe.”
At CES 2025, Sony made an exciting announcement, revealing the Helldivers 2 movie along with adaptations of Horizon Zero Dawn and a Ghost of Tsushima animation. These adaptations have certainly set the gaming and film worlds abuzz. Helldivers 2, which launched as a co-op third-person shooter in February 2024, quickly gained popularity for its intense battles against Terminids and Automatons coupled with its humorous camaraderie. Building on this momentum, Arrowhead is already planning the next installment in the series, taking into account fan feedback to shape their upcoming project as they continue to roll out updates throughout 2025.
While Sony announced the Helldivers 2 movie as a partnership between Sony Productions and Sony Pictures, Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, kept additional details under wraps. Considering the Helldivers community’s strong attachment to the source material, fans have been curious about Arrowhead’s role in the movie’s development. Pilestedt eventually addressed these queries on Twitter, admitting he had been avoiding the question. He clarified that while Arrowhead would have some degree of involvement in the project, they wouldn’t be the ones making final decisions as they aren’t filmmakers.
For Helldivers enthusiasts, staying faithful to the game’s narrative and atmosphere is of utmost importance. The community is eager to see Arrowhead play a significant role in the adaptation process to ensure the storyline and action sequences remain authentic. There’s a shared concern among fans that producers might veer towards a more generic plotline like “a gamer waking up in the Helldivers universe.” Many followers believe Arrowhead should have the final word on the script and aesthetics, with some even suggesting that the Helldivers should never remove their helmets.
The prospect of a Helldivers 2 movie brings to mind comparisons with the cult hit Starship Troopers—a 1997 sci-fi film that depicts a military force battling alien bugs. Gamers are hopeful the Helldivers 2 film will carve out its unique identity, possibly by steering away from familiar tropes like alien insects, ensuring it stands apart from the Starship Troopers universe.
Engage in this dynamic multiplayer co-op shooter for PS5 and PC brought to life by Arrowhead Game Studios, where teaming up with friends is crucial to protect Super Earth from alien threats. Embody the Helldivers, an elite force dedicated to spreading peace, liberty, and democracy with some of the most powerful weapons imaginable. Each mission demands strategic collaboration, making Helldivers 2 Arrowhead’s most compelling cooperative experience yet. Join this legendary troop to fight for freedom and democracy today!
