Helldivers film may have found its new lead following Jason Momoa’s departure

Back during CES 2025, Sony announced that they would be developing a live-action film adaptation of their hit co-op shooter Helldivers II. A little over a year later, it was reported that Aquaman’s Jason Momoa would be starring in the production – with an official release date penned for November 2027. Just 4 months after that however, Momoa was revealed to no longer be involved with the project. For better or for worse, the film appears to be back on track, with Alan Ritchson now said to be “in talks to star” in the production.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Alan Ritchson is currently in talks with Sony to take over as the lead for their upcoming Helldivers film following the departure of Jason Momoa earlier this Summer. At the time, the reason for Momoa leaving was “unknown”. As now reported by THR however, the split was said to have come as a result of “creative differences” – though they did not elaborate further.

While perhaps not as well known as Momoa, Alan Ritchson is a well-established actor, having served in a range of roles across both film and TV for two decades; finding his big break with the success of the Amazon Prime show Reacher.

In an interesting bit of irony however, one of Ritchson’s earliest roles was as Arthur Curry / Aquaman in the 2000s Smallville TV show. Momoa of course would take on the role a decade later in the Justin Lin-directed Aquaman film.

Outside of Momoa’s departure, work on the Helldivers film is seemingly going ahead as planned, with the film still set to be directed by Justin Lin, maintaining its 10th of November 2027 premiere date.

All that said, we still know very little about the project. As a game, Helldivers II has you playing as disposable grunts in an unending war, with no single character taking the spotlight. Whether the film will take a similar route, or will try to elevate Ritchson’s character to something greater, remains to be seen. Both Momoa and Ritchson have strong levels of on-screen presence, making the notion of them being grunts somewhat tough to sell.

Between the two however, Alan Ritchson does feel like somewhat of a better fit. Of course, that all depends on how they choose to approach this adaptation. Will we have to wait until next year to find out.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this casting? Are you more or less interested in the Helldivers film now? What direction do you think the adaptation will take? Let us know down below.

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