The blockbuster post-apocalyptic video game Death Stranding is being adapted into a live-action film by A24, with the help of its creator Hideo Kojima.
According to the official synopsis, the movie will “delve into the mysteries surrounding the apocalyptic event called the ‘Death Stranding,’ which blurred the lines between life and death, and brought forth nightmarish creatures into a world on the brink of collapse.”
In a statement, the esteemed video game designer explained why he chose to work with the production company. “A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other,” he said. “The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative. I have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. Their innovative approach to storytelling aligns with what Kojima Productions has been doing for the last 8 years. Now, we are making a Death Stranding movie together.”
Kojima continued, “There are a lot of ‘game adaptation films’ out there but what we are creating is not just a direct translation of the game. The intention is that our audience will not only be fans of the games, but our film will be for anyone who loves cinema. We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born.”
Released in 2019, Death Stranding boasts an impressive voice cast, led by The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus as the main character, courier Sam Porter Bridges. It also features actors Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, and Margaret Qualley, as well as the likeness of director Guillermo del Toro. It has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, and a sequel is currently in the works.
Kojima is a pioneering figure in the video game industry, breaking ground with the stealth-based Metal Gear series. News of the Death Stranding film first broke in December 2022.
Death Stranding is just the latest video game adaptation to receive a big push. In the last year alone, we’ve seen the record-breaking The Super Mario Bros. Movie, critically acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us, a Gran Turismo feature, and a Twisted Metal series on Peacock.
As if that weren’t enough, there’s a Fallout TV show coming to Prime Video in April 2024. Also in the pipeline are projects based on The Legend of Zelda, Cyberpunk 2077, God of War, Gears of War, Pac-Man, and BioShock.
A24 and DEATH STRANDING will be made into a live-action movie🎬📷🫶
“A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other. The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative. I… pic.twitter.com/4CiO8F1HUF
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) December 14, 2023