Death Stranding Live-Action Film Currently In The Works

On 15 December 2022, acclaimed Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima confirmed that a live-action adaptation of the 2019 hit adventure game Death Stranding is currently in development. As noted in an exclusive report by Deadline, the Death Stranding movie will be co-produced by Kojima Productions and Barbarian executive producer Alex Lebovici's Hammerstone Studios.

This latest announcement comes after Kojima unveiled the game's sequel, DS2 (working title, Death Stranding 2), at The Game Awards 2022 ceremony in Los Angeles last week. At this time, there is little information regarding the upcoming Death Stranding film, with the producers doing their utmost to keep the feature adaptation under wraps.

Accordingly, there is currently no director or writer yet onboard. Likewise, the plot and anticipated release date are also unknown; however, the film is "on the fast track" of development.

At this time, not clear if actors Norman Reedus (Sam Porter Bridges), Troy Baker (Higgs Monaghan), Mads Mikkelsen (Clifford Unger), Margaret Qualley (Mama), and Lea Seydoux (Fragile) from the game will feature in the film. However, Deadline noted that "new elements and characters within the Death Stranding universe" would be introduced.

Commenting on the project, Hideo Kojima had this to say:

I couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership with Hammerstone Studios. This is a pivotal moment for the franchise, and I’m really looking forward to collaborating with them in bringing DEATH STRANDING to the big screen.

Alex Lebovici later chimed in, adding:

We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to partner with brilliant and iconic Hideo Kojima on his first film adaptation. Unlike other big budget tentpole video game adaptations, this will be something far more intimate and grounded. Our goal is to redefine what a video game adaptation could be when you have creative and artistic freedom. This film will be an authentic 'Hideo Kojima' production.

For those uninitiated, Death Stranding (the video game) is set in the apocalyptic United States. It follows protagonist Sam Porter Bridges transporting cargo to various isolated colonies (KNOTS) to reconnect them to the Chiral Network. During his travels, Sam must avoid the destructive BTs, Timefall, and rogue porters. Death Stranding was positively received after its release, attracting several nominations and awards, including winning TGA 2019's Best Game Direction, Best Score/Music, and Best Performance (Mads Mikkelsen).

We will endeavor to update you regarding any further information regarding the Death Stranding film.