Hideo Kojima has never been one to follow conventions, and now he is proving it again, because the visionary creator behindDeath Strandingis expanding the game’s eerie, genre-bending universe with not one, but two ambitious adaptations. In addition to the already announced live-action film in collaboration with acclaimed indie studio A24, Kojima has confirmed that an anime based onDeath Strandingis also in the works. Both projects are designed to stand apart from traditional game-to-screen adaptations, hinting at Kojima’s deeper creative ambitions.
Rather than replicate the original story scene-for-scene, Kojima wants these adaptations to explore the world ofDeath Strandingthrough new cinematic and narrative techniques, according toVogue Japan. Speaking recently,he emphasized his desire to make something uniquely suited to each medium, especially the film, which he envisions not as a fan-only work but as a work worthy of the Cannes and Venice film festivals.And now, with an anime adaptation in the mix, it is clear that Kojima seesDeath Strandingas a huge multimedia universe still brimming with unexplored potential.
Hideo Kojima’s Vision Beyond the Game
Death Stranding is Much More Than a Gaming Franchise to Kojima
Unlike recent video game adaptations likeThe Last of Us, which followed their source material closely, Kojima wants to break free of linear fidelity.He sees theDeath Strandingfilm as an opportunity to reinterpret the game’s core themes through a purely cinematic lens.That means exploring the story’s emotional weight, visual aesthetic, and philosophical questions in ways that resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the game. His goal is not just to adapt, it is to make the material into arthouse cinema levels.
This vision likely explains his collaboration with A24, known for daring, award-winning films that challenge the boundaries of genre.Kojima has been open about wanting to create a movie that feels like a “true film” rather than a commercial tie-in.That approach puts theDeath Strandingmovie in rare company, aiming to stand as a cinematic achievement in its own right. If successful, it could redefine expectations of how video games can be transformed on screen.
The Anime is Set to Expand the Death Stranding Universe
Fans Will Get to See Death Stranding Like Never Before In the Upcoming Anime
The surprise addition of aDeath Strandinganime opens up even more narrative avenues. While details are still scarce, Kojima’s involvement suggests the anime will complement rather than compete with the live-action version. It may dive deeper into supporting characters, explore untold backstories, or depict events only hinted at in the game.Anime’s flexibility as a medium makes it a natural fit forDeath Stranding’ssurreal, fragmented world.
With its stylized visuals and complex mythology,Death Strandingcould thrive in an anime format. It allows Kojima and his collaborators to experiment with visual storytelling without the constraints of live-action realism. Whether it follows Sam Porter Bridges or veers into entirely new territory, the animehas the potential to enrich theDeath Strandinguniversewhile drawing in both anime fans and gamers alike. For Kojima, this is more than an adaptation; it is world-building on a cinematic scale.
Death Stranding
Death Stranding marks the first release for Kojima Productions after Hideo Kojima exited his position at Konami. The release sees the player controlling Sam Porter Bridges, portrayed by Norman Reedus. Sam will need to do his best to avoid detection and stay alive, protecting his cargo as he transports it to various locations.
