Director found for Helldivers film

For democracy! "Helldivers" is being made into a movie – and an absolute action specialist will be directing it.

We are talking about none other than Justin Lin, who has already been responsible for several films in the "Fast and Furious" series as well as "Star Trek: Beyond". According to The Hollywood Reporter, he will be assisted by author Gary Dauberman, who previously wrote the screenplays for "It" and "Annabelle".

Interestingly, Lin says he is not a gamer at all. According to insiders, he wants to use this to approach the material with an open mind. His aim is to bring out the human side of the characters more and at the same time embed current social issues in the story.

The story of "Helldivers" is set in a dystopian future in which humanity is united under a totalitarian government. Players take on the role of elite soldiers, the Helldivers, who must defend the Over-Earth and spread their influence across the galaxy. They secure resources, conquer planets and fight in massive battles against hostile aliens. The setting and the black humor in particular generated a lot of enthusiasm. No wonder, as the makers were deliberately inspired by Paul Verhoeven's classic "Starship Troopers".

The first "Helldivers" game was released in 2015 and was celebrated by critics for its humor, co-op mechanics and satirical take on militarism. The sequel "Helldivers 2" continued the high-flying success: In the first four months after its release in 2024, the game sold over 12 million copies on PS5 and PC.

Film tips in the style of "Helldivers" and "Starship Troopers": sci-fi satire, military pomp & alien chaos

Anyone who has played "Helldivers" or seen "Starship Troopers" knows that this type of science fiction thrives on a very special mix. Exaggerated military propaganda, biting social criticism, ludicrous humor and explosive alien action come together – all in a setting that never takes itself too seriously. It is precisely this combination that makes such stories so appealing: They deliver spectacle, but often offer a surprising amount of substance between the lines. For anyone looking for films that feel similar – sometimes more, sometimes less direct – here are the best recommendations from the cosmos of satirical sci-fi.

Starship Troopers (1997): The essential classic

Let's start with the obvious: If you love "Helldivers", you can't get past "Starship Troopers". Paul Verhoeven's cult film is as much a blatant alien battle as it is a social satire. At first glance, everything looks like a classic military sci-fi adventure: Young recruits join the mobile infantry to save humanity from giant alien insects. But Verhoeven uses exaggerated propaganda clips, smooth soldier figures and almost ridiculously heroic poses to expose the fascist features of a high-tech military state. A film with an ironic undertone that remains unsurpassed to this day – and continues to find new fans.

Edge of Tomorrow: endless death, endless laughter

If you're in the mood for action, humor and a good dose of alien war chaos, you've come to the right place with "Edge of Tomorrow". Tom Cruise plays an inexperienced PR officer who is thrown into the middle of a battle against shape-shifting aliens – only to get stuck in a time loop and relive the same day over and over again. The movie combines fast-paced battle scenes, a wonderfully dry script and clever sci-fi ideas. Fans of the chaotic trial-and-error gameplay of "Helldivers" in particular will recognize many parallels: constant failure, crazy team play and learning factors that are added every minute.

Aliens: The pioneer of the sci-fi military team

James Cameron's action masterpiece is less satirical, but stylistically a key influence for many modern military sci-fi projects. An overstretched naval team, a dark setting, claustrophobic horror elements and hard-hitting alien attacks: "Aliens" set the tone for everything that came later – including "Starship Troopers" and ultimately the military feel of "Helldivers". The movie is more serious and emotional, but offers an intensity and group dynamic that immediately picks up fans of team missions.

Galaxy Quest: sci-fi satire in comedy guise

A completely different tone, but surprisingly fitting thematically: "Galaxy Quest" is a loving nod to sci-fi fandom and at the same time a wonderfully self-deprecating parody of heroism, intergalactic hero stories and exaggerated genre conventions. A former sci-fi TV crew is asked for help by real aliens who mistake their old series for historical documentaries. The humor is light-hearted but intelligent – perfect for those who laugh the hardest at the absurd moments of "Starship Troopers" and "Helldivers".

District 9: Satire in a serious guise

At first glance, Neil Blomkamp's "District 9" seems much darker than the other recommendations, but the critical examination of racism, bureaucracy and militarism certainly shares the DNA of "Starship Troopers". The film packs a powerful punch: half documentary, half action, always socially critical. For viewers who like the biting analysis behind the military sci-fi, "District 9" is a perfect match.

Robocop: Verhoeven's satire at its best

Another Verhoeven? Absolutely – because hardly any director understands satirical sci-fi as well as he does. "Robocop" is a bitterly evil vision of the future full of exaggerated advertising, heartless corporations, media manipulation and grotesquely exaggerated violence. Although there are no aliens, the satirical style is exactly what fans love about "Starship Troopers": an action film that is also a clever political statement. The remake was released in 2014, but it didn't really satisfy the fans.

Tremors: monsters, dust & lots of fun

Anyone who likes the absurd alien creatures from "Helldivers" will love "Tremors". The mixture of comedy, monster horror and chaotic action makes this movie a cult classic to this day. The threat is serious enough to create tension, but absurd enough to provide plenty of entertainment. A slightly lighter but extremely fun tip for monster fans.

Conclusion: The right sci-fi chaos for every taste

Whether you love the satirical core of "Starship Troopers" or rather the cooperative chaos factor of "Helldivers" – the sci-fi genre is full of films that capture similar moods. Some, like Verhoeven, rely on an ironic bite, others on bombastic action or lovably exaggerated characters. One thing is certain: Anyone with a taste for extraterrestrial danger, military overdrive and a good dose of humor will find plenty of sustenance for long movie nights in these films.