The beloved video game Death Stranding is set to make its theatrical debut, thanks to a collaboration between the indie film studio A24 and Kojima Productions. This announcement coincides with the eighth anniversary of the studio founded by famed game designer Hideo Kojima. The film is expected to delve into the enigmatic apocalyptic event that led to the emergence of terrifying creatures known as BT, which blur the line between the living and the dead through a mysterious portal. Instead of being a straightforward adaptation of the polarizing 2019 video game, the film will act as a companion piece, enriching the solitary universe established by the game. Additionally, the world of Death Stranding will be revisited in the soon-to-be-released sequel, DS2, which was announced during last year’s The Game Awards.
In a blog post, Kojima shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other.” He expressed that the film aims to attract not just fans of the games, but also cinema enthusiasts, explaining, “We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born.” Reports regarding a film adaptation first emerged last year, with Hammerstone Studios—recognized for their work on Barbarian—initially set to produce. However, it remains unclear if they will still be involved in the project. Kojima is set to play a significant role in the film’s creation, overseeing art, plotting, and content contributions, although he will not serve as the director. His attention will likely be divided, as he is concurrently working on Death Stranding 2 and his horror project OD with filmmaker Jordan Peele. Neither of these projects currently has a designated release timeline.
A24 has garnered critical acclaim for producing distinguished arthouse films, including The Lighthouse, the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Uncut Gems, as well as the recent horror offering Talk to Me. As of now, there are no announcements regarding the cast or crew for the Death Stranding film. The original video game featured a star-studded ensemble that played a significant role in its success, adding to the legendary status of Kojima himself.
The game featured Norman Reedus, known for his role in The Walking Dead, as Sam Porter Bridges, a courier on a mission to reconnect the last remnants of civilization in a devastated America, which suffered an extinction event that unleashed supernatural forces. This post-apocalyptic landscape is marked by unique phenomena such as ‘Timefall,’ a rain that accelerates the aging of all organic matter, compelling characters to don raincoats and wield oddly shaped umbrellas to shield themselves from the elements. The cast was further bolstered by notable names such as Mads Mikkelsen as Clifford Unger, Léa Seydoux as Fragile, as well as renowned filmmakers Nicolas Winding Refn and Guillermo Del Toro, alongside voice talents Tommie Earl Jenkins and Troy Baker, who portrayed the antagonist Higgs.
In addition to the film, Kojima Productions plans to release a documentary titled Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds on Disney+ in American Spring 2024. This documentary will spotlight Kojima’s journey in establishing his independent studio in 2015 and the development of Death Stranding, particularly following his departure from Konami, the studio behind the Metal Gear Solid franchise.
Details regarding a release date for the Death Stranding film have not yet been shared.
