It looks like *Death Stranding* is expanding its universe beyond video games and into multiple entertainment formats. Following the confirmation of a live-action film adaptation with A24, director Hideo Kojima has also hinted at an upcoming anime version of the game. This revelation came during a recent interview with *Vogue Japan*, where Kojima discussed his cinematic ambitions for the live-action project while subtly revealing that an anime adaptation is currently in development.
“I am also currently working with A24 on a live-action film adaptation of 'DEATH STRANDING'. When it comes to film adaptations of games, there have been recent films like 'The Last of Us' that keep the plot of the original intact, and films like 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' that are more like a service to game fans. Each of these works has its own merits, but as a film lover, I want to pursue expression as a film. I am aiming to make 'DEATH STRANDING' in a way that can only be done as a film, and that will win awards at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. In fact, we are also currently working on an anime adaptation.”
While no specific studio has been named for the anime project yet, this announcement opens up exciting possibilities. Depending on which studio takes the helm, fans could see a wide range of visual and narrative interpretations of the *Death Stranding* universe. A high-energy Studio Trigger version, for instance, would offer a dramatically different tone compared to a more grounded approach from another production house.
Live-Action Adaptation Progress
A24 officially announced its partnership with Kojima Productions back in 2023, confirming that a live-action *Death Stranding* movie was in the works. From the start, Kojima made it clear that this wouldn’t be a direct translation of the game, but rather a new entry in the cinematic space:
“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.”
Michael Sarnoski, known for directing *A Quiet Place: Day One*, reportedly joined the project earlier this year as both writer and director. Meanwhile, star Norman Reedus—who plays protagonist Sam Porter Bridges—has expressed interest in reprising his role in some form if the opportunity arises.
What’s Next for Death Stranding?
With the anime and live-action adaptations moving forward, the *Death Stranding* brand continues to evolve across multiple platforms. Meanwhile, fans of the core gameplay experience have much to look forward to: *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* is scheduled for release on June 26, 2025, exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Having spent over 30 hours hands-on with the sequel, early impressions suggest a deeply expanded world, deeper mechanics, and even more of Kojima's signature storytelling.
As the franchise grows, so does its cultural footprint. Whether through film, anime, or the next installment in the game series, *Death Stranding* continues to blur the lines between gaming and global entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates as details about the anime adaptation begin to surface.
