It seems Death Stranding is expanding beyond a live-action film and into an anime adaptation. In a recent interview ahead of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach's June release, director Hideo Kojima has seemingly confirmed an anime version of Death Stranding is in development.
In a conversation with Vogue Japan (as reported by VGC), Kojima discussed his ongoing collaboration with A24 on the live-action Death Stranding movie, concluding with a brief mention of an anime project. The translated quote is as follows:
"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 animation studio was named, this strongly suggests another Death Stranding adaptation is officially on the horizon in anime form.
Back in 2023, A24 officially announced its partnership with Kojima Productions to create a live-action Death Stranding film. Kojima emphasized then that the adaptation would not be a simple retelling of the game's story. "We want the film to appeal not just to fans of the game, but to all movie lovers," Kojima stated. "We are building a new Death Stranding universe that can only be realized through cinema."
Earlier this year, it was reported that Michael Sarnoski, director of A Quiet Place: Day One, has signed on to write and direct the Death Stranding film. Star Norman Reedus has expressed interest in reprising his role, saying he would "of course" play Sam Porter Bridges in the movie "if it was an option."
With an anime adaptation now in the pipeline, it's intriguing to imagine what could be done with Death Stranding's unique world in animation. The creative possibilities will largely depend on the chosen studio. One can't help but picture the distinct style a studio like Trigger could bring to the Death Stranding universe, for instance.
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On the gaming front, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. For a closer look at how the sequel is shaping up, you can read our extensive hands-on impressions after spending 30 hours with the game.
