Alan Ritchson replaces Jason Momoa in Sony's Helldivers movie
The Reacher star is in talks to lead the video game adaptation, which lost Momoa in June over creative differences.
What to know
- Alan Ritchson is in talks to lead Sony's Helldivers film adaptation, replacing Jason Momoa who exited in June over creative differences.
- If the deal closes, it will be Ritchson's first lead role in a major studio picture, though he has worked with director Justin Lin on Fast X.
- The film is scheduled to release November 10, 2027, and is based on a video game franchise that sold over 12 million copies, with Helldivers 2 achieving critical success with an 82 Metacritic score.
The dispute Whether Ritchson's muscular build is a practical liability for the role or thematically perfect for a satirical military film. · positions read across 21 posts and comments
Ritchson is well-cast and a good fit for the Helldivers role and tone.
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“I'm here for it, tbh. I hope this guy winds up doing something with Henry Caville for WH40k. He's a good actor, and I'm glad he's a big goofy left-wing nerd, too.”
Duane_ · Reddit ↗
Ritchson's current physique makes him physically unsuitable for an infantryman role despite being thematically appropriate.
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“Did anyone see Alan Ritchson in War Machine? He's so bulky he has trouble moving properly, and casting him as an actual infantryman with his current physique in anything is just ridiculous.”
toughtacos · Reddit ↗
Concerns that the film will lose the satirical edge of Starship Troopers and the game's critique of militarism.
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“It will be interesting to see whether the movie sticks to that premise or chickens out for safe action thrills.”
Polygon contributor · Polygon ↗
“Helldivers 2 is 'a hugely popular game built on teamwork, camaraderie, humor and exhilarating action.'”
Official synopsis · TheWrap ↗
Alan Ritchson Actor in talks for lead role
Jason Momoa Original lead actor
Justin Lin DirectorSony Pictures / PlayStation Productions Studio
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlespostscomments
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Alan Ritchson in talks to replace Momoa as Helldivers lead
TheWrap reports that Reacher star Alan Ritchson is in negotiations to play one of the Helldivers in the film adaptation directed by Justin Lin, which is set to release November 10, 2027.
“If the deal closes, it's a huge step for Ritchson as it'll mark his first lead role in a major studio picture.”
— Mastodon film account · source -
4 outlets first by Screen Rant? placeholder, 5d ago · also IGN, Polygon, Kotaku · read ↗
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1 outlet first by The Wrap, 5d ago · read ↗
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Alan Ritchson is in talks to star in the live-action ‘HELLDIVERS’ movie. (Source:
2 more of the top 3 · 21 posts in this stretch
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Movie TV Tech Geeks # MovieNews # Helldivers # AlanRitchson # JustinLin 'Reacher's Alan Ritchson Officially Replacing Jason Momoa in Sony's 'Helldivers'
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You and I have very different definitions of A list actors. The only A list actors in that movie were the suicide squad members that survived, margot robbie, john cena and idris elba. Also none of the people that died were in promotional material (like this guy suggested) which would add even more $$$ to the budget
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background
Jason Momoa exits Helldivers movie over creative differences — The original lead actor departed the Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions adaptation early in June, leaving the role vacant.
What people are saying 18 voices from 1 site · best of 21 · verbatim
- Will the film retain the satirical anti-authoritarian tone of Starship Troopers and the games, or adapt it into a straightforward action thriller?
- Exactly which character role will Ritchson play in the ensemble-focused game?
- Sep 20
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This is how Helldivers the movie was likely pitched. The movie culture is all a Mad Libs of “it’s [precedent] with [twist]”
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It’s pretty blatantly starship troopers though. I’m sure there’s like a thousand “starship troopers?” messages in the chat during the original trailer reveal
- Sep 19
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I’m worried about this movie. I don’t think Hollywood has it in them to make satire without being all self-referential. They have to have a guy beating me over the head with the message because they think I’m too stupid to figure it out. Helldivers only works if you play it straight.
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Gave up halfway through, I haven't seen a show that American and formulaic in ages. Couldn't get past the terrible characters and writing. Action and acting was decent however.
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Same with The Man From Uncle. Fantastic movie, did poorly. Didn't help that Armie had all that stuff that came out about him...
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Pmuch, imagine hemsworth, evans and downey help a seaf as they appear avengers style only to get crushed by a stratagem.
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Dudes in everything.. and he’s just another Jason Statham.. Literally the same character in everything.
- Sep 18
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It's like when someone says "that word sounds made up." I always respond with "all words are made up."
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I sure hope lots of the cast die unceremoniously at regular intervals throughout the film. Honestly would be great if it has a lot of big names in it and they just keep getting killed as the film goes on. By the end none of the original cast remain and everyone just acts like it’s always been like that
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Daniel Radcliffe. He’s the one who makes it to the end. Pulls his helmet off in the pelican and it’s the big reveal.
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No no no, the final diver to make it out alone with the samples takes his helmet off in the pelican and it’s Daniel Radcliffe.
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Did anyone see Alan Ritchson in War Machine? He's so bulky he has trouble moving properly, and casting him as an actual infantryman with his current physique in anything is just ridiculous. Which is exactly what is expected from a Helldivers movie needs, so yeah... Put him in, coach.
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James Gunns Suicide Squad did exactly that. We all thought Pete Davidson was gonna be a character.
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Still waiting for the announcement of the Wolfenstein movie with him playing BJ blaskowitz, it's too perfect to be more than a matter of time
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“Remember: we’re here for one thing, and one thing on-“ cue explosion “Who were those guys?” “Doesn’t matter.”
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The only good starship troopers IP to come out in the last 30 years was the mod for Squad
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The thing is, I don’t really mind the guy, but it seems like he’s phoning in now
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I'm here for it, tbh. I hope this guy winds up doing something with Henry Caville for WH40k. He's a good actor, and I'm glad he's a big goofy left-wing nerd, too. Watching him piss off Conservatives by being (remotely educated) is a blast.