Is Hideo Kojima going to direct the live-action adaptation of Death Stranding in partnership with hit studio A24? The collaboration between Kojima and A24 may have been influenced by Konami's earlier plans for a Silent Hills revival, which would have been directed by Kojima and Guillermo del Toro.
The disappointing cancelation led to a new opportunity when Norman Reedus reunited with Kojima to work on Death Stranding, an epic action game that immerses players in a terrifying post-apocalyptic world. Players are responsible for delivering packages to isolated communities and reconnecting them, all while contending with "beached things" and other sinister forces. The film adaptation was announced last December, and Kojima recently announced that A24, the celebrated studio behind Uncut Gems, Hereditary, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, will be handling its development.
Will the Death Stranding movie be directed by Hideo Kojima?
No, Hideo Kojima isn’t directing the Death Stranding movie.
At the beginning of his career, Kojima initially aimed for a career in film production and sought to direct his own feature. However, lacking like-minded friends for support, he shifted his focus to video games – and with the release of Metal Gear in 1987, the rest is history. One might have expected him to eventually fulfill his original aspirations and direct the live-action adaptation himself, but he has already confirmed that this will not be the case.
I want to clarify that while I am heavily involved in producing, supervising, planning, visual design, and content for the film adaptation of DS, I am not in charge of directing.
"Just to clarify, I am heavily involved in producing, supervising, plotting, appearance, design, and content of the film adaptation of DS, but not in charge of directing," he posted on Twitter.
Although the game features a star-studded cast, including Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and Margaret Qualley, it is uncertain if they will return for the film. A24 stated that the film "will explore the mysteries surrounding the apocalyptic event known as the Death Stranding, which blurred the lines between life and death and brought terrifying creatures into a world on the verge of collapse."
Kojima also stated that A24, which was established about a decade ago, has a unique and unparalleled presence in the industry. He praised the high quality and innovative nature of the films they produce, noting that they have served as an inspiration for his own work.
He emphasized that the approach to storytelling taken by A24 aligns with the efforts of Kojima Productions over the last eight years. As a result, they are collaborating on a Death Stranding movie that aims to be more than just a standard game adaptation film. Instead, their goal is to create a cinematic experience that will appeal not only to fans of the game, but to anyone who appreciates film. Kojima expressed his excitement for the opportunity to bring the Death Stranding universe to life in a way that has never been seen before, utilizing the unique capabilities of the medium of film.
Explore more about Death Stranding and discover where to purchase the game on Amazon. Please be aware that by clicking on a product link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. No release date has been announced for the film.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Hideo Kojima and his works, I am thrilled about the upcoming Death Stranding movie adaptation. The collaboration between Kojima and A24, known for their critically acclaimed and thought-provoking films, has me eagerly anticipating the cinematic experience they will create. Kojima's involvement as a producer, supervisor, and contributor to the plot, appearance, design, and content ensures that the essence of the game will be preserved while allowing for a fresh interpretation.
While it is disappointing that Kojima will not be directing the film, I trust his judgment in selecting A24 as the production company. Their track record of producing high-quality and innovative films aligns perfectly with Kojima's own creative vision. I believe that this partnership will result in a movie that transcends the boundaries of a typical game adaptation and becomes a standalone cinematic masterpiece. The potential for exploring the mysteries of the Death Stranding universe in greater depth and bringing the game's unique concepts to life on the big screen is incredibly exciting. I am confident that Kojima and A24 will deliver an unforgettable experience that will captivate audiences worldwide.