A24 to Produce 'Death Stranding' feature film produced by game creator, Hideo Kojima

by Darian Scalamoni

    Video game adaptations and "re-imaginings" are the newest gold in the coal mine for Hollywood. With the last few years bringing projects such as The Last of Us, Uncharted, Gran Turismo, Mortal Kombat, Twisted Metal and Five Nights at Freddy's to the top of box-office and now (finally) critical heights, it seems that an already cinematic visionary has jumpstarted production on an exciting new film.

    According to multiple sources, Hideo Kojima, the legendary Video Game creator will produce a Death Stranding feature film adaptation in collaboration with A24. The massively popular video game of the same name that released in 2019 on PlayStation 4 before getting a new, extended cut on PlayStation 5 years later. The project will be developed as a live-action movie filled with tons of anticipation as the game is regarded as one of the greatest games ever made and was a financial success as well, having sold over 5 million copies. The announcement of the collaboration between Kojima Productions and A24 comes as the former company celebrated its eighth anniversary on December 16. 

    The two companies released a joint statement about the creative partnership: "The film promises to 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 the world on the brink of collapse. 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 have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. 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." 

    It's obvious that the creative endeavor that Kojima is embarking on with A24 will be a fertile one. Deciding upon a new structure within the feature film is probably best to bring in new audience members to this story. The game is set in the United States after a catastrophic event brings devastating creatures onto the planet. Within the game, players take control of a character named Sam Porter Bridges (which is played by Norman Reedus in the game), a courier who is tasked with bringing resources to different colonies throughout the country. In addition to Reedus, the game features roles for actors such as Mads Mikkelsen, Lea Seydoux, Margaret Qualley and even, Guillermo del Toro. There is no word yet if any of them will reprise their roles for the movie.