MOVIE NEWS – Hideo Kojima’s wonderfully weird mind is soon to venture beyond the world of video games as Death Stranding has been greenlit for an anime adaptation. The acclaimed creator of Metal Gear released Death Stranding in 2019, a trippy open-world adventure set in a post-apocalyptic America that received widespread praise from fans and critics alike. Often cited as one of Kojima’s finest works, the game already had one adaptation in the works, but a second project has just been revealed in a medium that might best contain Kojima’s unique style.

In a profile for Vogue Japan, Kojima revealed that an anime adaptation of Death Stranding is underway to coincide with the upcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. He first spoke about the live-action film by A24 before casually mentioning that it’s not the only project based on his game. “In fact, we are also currently working on an anime adaptation,” Kojima shared.

Details about the anime remain scarce, and Kojima’s brief mention suggests the project is still in its early stages. Fans are eager to know which studio will bring this adaptation to life, with hopeful speculation around big names like Toei or MAPPA. Science SARU, known for titles such as Dandadan, Ping Pong the Animation, and Devilman Crybaby, is also a fan favorite thanks to its distinctive and unconventional approach.

Hideo Kojima’s Vision for A24’s Death Stranding Film

During the Vogue Japan interview, Kojima also discussed A24’s plans for the live-action film. The rising studio has big ambitions in the video game adaptation scene and recently confirmed that Civil War’s Alex Garland will direct a film version of FromSoftware’s Elden Ring.

“I am also currently working with A24 on a live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding,” Kojima continued. He spoke about the two different approaches to adapting video games for film: staying true to the original story or reimagining it entirely. “There have been recent films like The Last of Us that stick closely to the game’s narrative, and others like The Super Mario Bros. Movie that mainly cater to fans.” He elaborated:

“Each approach has its strengths, but as a film lover, I want to create something that can only be realized in cinema and that could win awards at festivals like Cannes and Venice.”

A24’s Death Stranding film was announced in April 2024, with A Quiet Place: Day One director Michael Sarnoski attached to direct. Neither the film nor the anime adaptation has an official release date yet.

Source: Vogue Japan