Summary
Hideo Kojima, the man behind the hit video gameDeath Stranding, spoke about the upcoming live-action adaptation. The game creator is optimistic about the movie because its director has played some of his games.
Death Strandingis a genre-defying action game byKojima Productions, released in November 2019. It is set in a post-apocalyptic America where a mysterious cataclysm known as the “Death Stranding” occurred, leading to the collapse of society and isolated communities. The players control Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus), a courier who delivers supplies in isolated colonies amid its treacherous landscape, where hostile creatures like Beached Things (BTs) and MULES roam. Aside from the delivery, Sam’s goal is to reconnect the fragmented cities to the Chiral Network to restore unity to the United Cities of America (UCA). In December 2023, a live-action adaptation was announced. Kojima Productions collaborates with independent film studio A24 for the project, and Kojima is confident about the upcoming movie.
Kojima spoke about the upcomingDeath Strandingfilmon Koji10 or “Hideo Kojima’s Let’s Make This The Greatest 10 p.m.” which airs on Monday nights at 10 p.m. on TBS radio. Genki, a columnist for the game magazine PowerUnlimited, translated Kojima’s statement and shared it on X, formerly Twitter. Based on the translation, Kojima is confident about director Michael Sarnoski helming theDeath Strandingfilm because he had played some of Kojima’s games, includingDeath StrandingandMetal Gear Solid 1. “Hideo Kojima says the Death Stranding live-action film with A24 will be an unbelievable and strange film,” part of Genki’s tweet read. Additionally, Kojima has nothing but kind words to say about Sarnoski and even praised the director, calling him “smart, has good taste and a very nice person.” Kojima was reportedly delighted that Sarnoki would be sitting in the director’s chair for the live-action movie because he “doesn’t seem like a typical Hollywood person.”
Several are delighted after learning that Sarnoski plays the game because the gaming experience immerses him in theDeath Strandinguniverse. This will come in handy when he writes the script. Sarnoski’s involvement in theDeath Strandingmovie was confirmed this month. He will serve asthe screenwriter and director. Sarnoski’s previous projects includePigandA Quiet Place: Day One.A24 and Kojima Productions will produce the movie. Although Kojima is not directing the live-action, he is still very much involved in overseeing the aspects of the project, including the plot, design, and vision.
From the look of it, Kojima is giving his approval to Sarnoski. It’s also understandable why –- Sarnoski playing the game gives him a firsthand experience of theDeath Strandinguniverse. The game is the best way for one to immerse oneself in theDeath Strandingworld to gain valuable insights, explore its unique mechanics, and understand its emotional depth, especially about isolation, connection, and perseverance. All of these will help him capture the heart of the game, including its atmosphere, narrative and nuances for the movie adaptation. Also, the immersion will help him recreate the game’s haunting landscape when he brings it to the big screen. Sarnoski is a great choice forDeath Strandingbecause his first feature,Pig, starringNicolas Cage, received praise for the way it explored important societal themes, including grief and loss, in the revenge thriller. The same elements are present inDeath Stranding.
The anticipatedDeath Strandingmovie has not yet received an official title or release date.
