Jason Momoa Leaves Sony’s Justin Lin-Led ‘Helldivers’ Film, Studio Begins Search for a New Star

Jason Momoa has departed Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions’ film adaptation of the video game “Helldivers,” The Hollywood Reporter reported Tuesday, citing confirmation of the change. The news means Momoa is no longer attached to star in the movie that is directed by Justin Lin and based on the “Helldivers” franchise from Arrowhead Game Studios.

The Hollywood Reporter said the project remains in development at Sony Pictures, and that screenwriter Gary Dauberman, known for “It” and “Until Dawn,” has written the script for the feature version. Dauberman is credited as having penned the adaptation, which Sony has described as a theatrical release in 2027.

Multiple entertainment outlets reported that no reason was given for Momoa’s exit, and that Sony has begun a search for a new leading actor and other cast members. Variety and Deadline also described the casting change as part of an active retooling process rather than a termination of the project.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on Nov. 10, 2027, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sony first teed up the movie during its CinemaCon presentation earlier this year, and it had announced the project the previous year at CES, where the studio highlighted the adaptation as a screen follow-on to the existing gaming franchise.

The “Helldivers” movie is tied to the original 2015 game and its sequel, which together have sold more than 12 million units, The Hollywood Reporter reported. The gaming franchise centers on Helldivers, described as an elite squad of soldiers tasked with defending “Super Earth” from an alien attack, a premise the film will adapt for a live-action setting.

The Hollywood Reporter said that Lin, Hutch Parker and Asad Qizilbash serve as producers on the movie. Lin is also credited with directing multiple entries in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, and The Hollywood Reporter noted his most recent directing credit was “Last Days” in 2025.

For Momoa, the departure from “Helldivers” comes as he has multiple feature projects scheduled to hit theaters in the coming period, including a role as Lobo opposite Milly Alcock in Warner Bros.’ “Supergirl” (set for June 26). The outlets did not indicate whether Momoa’s “Helldivers” exit affects those separate releases.

Sony’s next steps, according to the reporting, will center on finding a replacement star and adjusting the rest of the cast as development continues toward the 2027 theatrical date.