Jason Momoa is leaving “Helldivers,” the video game adaptation from PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures, directed by Justin Lin.
No reason was given for his exit from the project, which is based on the video game franchise from Arrowhead Game Studios. Sony is underway on a search for a new star and other cast members.
The shooter-style game follows an elite unit of soldiers — known as Helldivers — who battle alien creatures that are threatening to destroy the fictional planet of Super Earth. The sci-fi action film is currently scheduled for a Nov. 10, 2027, release, and further plot details are not yet known. Momoa’s casting was first announced in February.
Hutch Parker produces with PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash and Lin through Perfect Storm Entertainment.
Sony and PlayStation previously collaborated on 2022’s “Uncharted” with Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, which grossed $407 million worldwide. Peacock’s “Twisted Metal” series and HBO’s “The Last of Us” were also Sony-PlayStation collaborations.
“Helldivers” was released in 2015 by Arrowhead Game Studios, and a sequel, “Helldivers 2,” was released in 2024, so there’s plenty of sequel potential for the property.
Momoa has projects in the works, including “A Minecraft Movie: Squared,” the follow-up to his hit “Minecraft”; “Animal Friends”; “Fast Forever” and “Protecting Jared.” This year, he will star in “Street Fighter” as the feral savage Blanka, “Dune: Part 3” as swordmaster Duncan Idaho and “Supergirl” as intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo.
Deadline first reported the news.