Alan Ritchson is in talks to lead Sony Pictures’ feature adaptation of Helldivers, as the studio and director Justin Lin look to reset the project after Jason Momoa’s exit.
Sources tell us that Ritchson is negotiating to star in the film based on Arrowhead Game Studios’ video game franchise. Lin remains attached to direct. Sony had no comment on the casting talks.
If the deal is completed, Ritchson would play one of the helldivers, with additional roles still to be announced. Plot details for the movie are being kept under wraps, but the studio has already set a theatrical release date: Helldivers is expected to open in theaters on November 10, 2027.
The potential casting would put Ritchson at the center of one of Sony’s next major game-to-screen swings. The actor can currently be seen in the fourth season of his Prime Video series Reacher. He is represented by WME and Range.
A Game Franchise Built Around Super Earth
The Helldivers franchise began with a cooperative, twin-stick shooter game that debuted in 2015. In the game, players serve as members of an elite unit known as the Helldivers, working together to defend Super Earth and battle the enemies of mankind in an intergalactic war.
The property expanded significantly with Helldivers 2, which places players in the boots of the Helldivers as they carry out a mission to spread peace, liberty and Managed Democracy using some of the biggest and most explosive tools in the galaxy. The sequel sold more than 12 million units across PlayStation 5 and PC during its first four months after launching in 2024. It has since expanded to Xbox and continues to perform.
That momentum gives Sony a sizable gaming foundation for the film adaptation, even as the movie’s specific story remains undisclosed. The confirmed premise from the games centers on squad-based action, a militarized sci-fi setting and the Helldivers’ role in fighting for Super Earth.
Who Is Producing
Hutch Parker is producing the film alongside PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash and Lin through his Perfect Storm Entertainment.
The project also continues the collaboration between Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions, which have previously worked together on several screen adaptations tied to game properties. Their past projects include Uncharted, starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, which earned $407 million globally and ranks among the 10 highest-grossing video game adaptations of all time.
The companies have also been involved with Peacock’s series Twisted Metal and HBO’s Emmy-winning The Last of Us.
What Happens Next?
Ritchson’s involvement is not yet finalized, and Sony has not commented. Should his deal close, he would become the first announced performer for the film following Momoa’s departure.
For now, Lin remains set to direct, the producing team is in place, and the movie is dated for a November 10, 2027 theatrical release. Additional casting and story details have yet to be announced.