‘Death Stranding’ Video Game Franchise Getting Another Movie Adaptation

The world of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding is continuing to expand past the medium of video games. In a report from Deadline, it’s been revealed that a new animated feature-length film based on the world of the hit video game is in the works, with a writer attached to the project. This animated project is already the second Death Stranding adaptation on the way, as production company A24 previously announced that it will be making a live-action film, with Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place Day One) attached to write and direct.

Aaron Guzikowski, who is best known for writing the Max original series Raised By Wolves as well as the Denis Villeneuve film Prisoners, has signed to pen the screenplay for the upcoming animated film. The project is said to be in the vein of similar adult-oriented animated films, such as Predator: Killer of Killers, which was released on Hulu earlier this month, and the currently in-development John Wick prequel anime film, which centers around the night of Wick’s impossible task.

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A statement from Guzikowski was attached to the press release, in which he expressed his excitement about writing a story for the medium of animation and to play in the world created by Kojima, saying:

“I love the world of Death Stranding, it’s so creatively freeing, so beautifully dark and yet hopeful; I’m so excited and honored that Hideo Kojima, whose work I’ve long admired, has invited me to dwell within his creation, to birth new stories into this fertile, mind-bending universe. Drawing and animation have always been near and dear to my heart, so to finally get to play in this space is a dream come true.”

The World of ‘Death Stranding’ Is Ripe for Cinematic Potential

Norman Reedus in Death Stranding — Kojima Productions

Deadline’s report states that the Death Stranding animated film will be an “original story” set in the world of the games, likely meaning that characters like Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) and Fragile (Léa Seydoux) won’t be featured as the main characters. Hideo Kojima’s 2019 video game managed to redefine the potential for video games as a storytelling medium, with impressive cutscenes and motion-capture performances from top talent, making it a cinematic experience.

Kojima’s upcoming sequel to Death Stranding, titled Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is set for release on Jun. 26. It will continue to expand the world and story from the first game and take place in new international settings, leaving behind the vast North American landscape transformed by the Death Stranding. Elle Fanning will join the returning cast from the first game, bringing fans plenty to look forward to as the two adaptations continue to be developed.

The world of Death Stranding is rich in complex lore, blending science fiction and supernatural elements to create a narrative that defies categorization, drawing from multiple genres. From action-adventure to horror, the world created by Kojima is ripe for adaptation material. Developed by Kojima Productions and L.A.-based animation and post-production house Line Mileage, the Death Stranding animated film is sure to be an interesting project.

Source: Deadline