‘Helldivers’ Movie Taps a Fast & Furious Filmmaker to Direct the Video Game Adaptation

‘Helldivers’ Movie Taps a Fast & Furious Filmmaker to Direct the Video Game Adaptation By  Chris McPherson Published 50 minutes ago Chris is a Senior News Writer for Collider. He can be found in an IMAX screen, with his eyes watering and his ears bleeding for his own pleasure. He joined the news team in 2022 and accidentally fell upwards into a senior position despite his best efforts. For reasons unknown, he enjoys analyzing box office receipts, giant sharks, and has become known as the go-to man for all things Bosch, Mission: Impossible and Christopher Nolan in Collider's news division. Recently, he found himself yeehawing along to the Dutton saga on the Yellowstone Ranch.  He is proficient in sarcasm, wit, Photoshop and working unfeasibly long hours. Amongst his passions sit the likes of the history of the Walt Disney Company, the construction of theme parks, steam trains and binge-watching Gilmore Girls with a coffee that is just hot enough to scald him. His obsession with the Apple TV+ series Silo is the subject of mockery within the Senior News channel, where his feelings about Taylor Sheridan's work are enough to make his fellow writers roll their eyes.  Sign in to your Collider account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Justin Lin is about to bring some enforced democracy to the galaxy. The Fast & Furious filmmaker has officially boarded Helldivers, Sony’s feature adaptation of the breakout sci-fi co-op franchise, which is defined by chaotic violence, biting satire and extremely dark humor. The original Helldivers launched in 2015 to critical acclaim, but the franchise exploded with Helldivers 2 in 2024. The sequel transformed the top-down shooter into a fully cinematic third-person experience and became a global hit.

Within its first four months, Helldivers 2 sold more than 12 million units across PS5 and PC. Sales have since skyrocketed past 19 million, bolstered by a massive community response and the game’s recent expansion to Xbox. The Hollywood Reporter states that Lin approached the project from an unexpected angle: he doesn’t play games — and insisted that was a strength. Rather than recreate gameplay or chase the existing fandom, Lin pitched a take centered on the humanity inside the chaos.

The plot details are almost nonexistent at this point but we can expect this sort of thing: a comedic war story about soldiers who die constantly and gloriously in the name of Super Earth, giant bug-like aliens terrorizing the galaxy, lots of propaganda about blind nationalism and performative freedom and of course, teamwork, which makes the dream work. And if Lin leans into the game’s darkest jokes, this could be one of the most unique sci-fi movies in years.

What Is 'Helldivers' Going to Be About?

If the story follows the game, then we'll see characters (or players) drop onto hostile planets filled with monstrous alien hordes, fighting not just for survival but for the glory of Super Earth, a faction that's essentially Homelander from The Boys in space. They're a faction that’s equal parts heroic, terrifying, and self-serious. It’s a loud, explosive comedy wrapped in a military shooter, and fans have compared its tone to Starship Troopers, complete with propaganda broadcasts, questionable leadership decisions, and a war effort that often feels as misguided as it is heroic.

And with Helldivers 2 still one of the most-played shooters across consoles and PC, its Galactic War constantly evolving through live updates, and its memes regularly circulating across gaming communities, Sony sees a franchise with momentum and longevity. Stay tuned for more on Sony’s Helldivers adaptation and all the latest updates from the Galactic War. And remember, democracy isn't democracy unless you force it on somebody.

Headshot Of Justin Lin Justin Lin Birthdate October 11, 1971

Expand Collapse

• Movie News
• Justin Lin
• Fast and Furious

Follow Followed Like Share Facebook X WhatsApp Threads Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Copy link Email Close Thread Sign in to your Collider account

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.

Your comment has not been saved

Send confirmation email

This thread is open for discussion.

Be the first to post your thoughts.

• Terms
• Privacy
• Feedback

Recommended 1 hour ago

3 Netflix Shows You Need to Binge This Week (#3 Is One of Elizabeth Olsen’s Most Underrated Performances)

2 hours ago

Nancy Wheeler’s ‘Stranger Things’ Spinoff Is More Than a Side Quest — It May Hold the Key to Season 5’s Endgame

5 hours ago

1 Year Later, 'Megalopolis’ Box Office Disaster Is Still Reshaping Francis Ford Coppola’s Life

4 hours ago

Harry Potter Expands Yet Again With a New First for the Franchise

More from our brands

Helldivers 2 On Xbox Series X|S Pre-Order Guide: Editions, Prices, And Bonuses

Helldivers 2: All Warbonds, Ranked

40 Best Cross-Platform Games To Play Right Now, Ranked

Best Games Of The Decade So Far (2020-)

After Helldivers 2’s Into the Unjust Update, I Realize We May Not Need Another Enemy Faction

It's Official: Hell Has Frozen Over for PlayStation and Xbox

Helldivers 2 Is Getting A Movie, Media Is A Flat Circle

What To Watch

July 20, 2025 The 72 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now Trending Now ‘A League of Their Own’ Cast Reunites 2 Years After Devastating Cancellation — and You Can Get Tickets Now When ‘Stranger Things 5’s Vecna Story Ends, the Kids Are Definitely Going to Jail, Right? This New to Netflix Historical Royal Series Is the Perfect Fix for ‘The Crown’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ Fans