Death Stranding Movie and Anime Projects Unveiled at Kojima Productions’ 10th Anniversary

Sagar Mankar
Sep 24, 2025
3 min read

Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding franchise is expanding beyond games, with both a live-action film and an animated feature currently in production. Updates on both projects were shared during the Beyond the Strand event, which marked the 10th anniversary of Kojima Productions.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach video game characters. — Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Who’s Behind the Live-Action Death Stranding Movie?

The live-action adaptation is being developed by A24 with director Michael Sarnoski, best known for Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One. According to Kojima, Sarnoski was chosen after he saw those films and felt the director would be “perfect” for capturing the essence of Death Stranding.

Sarnoski admitted he was initially “terrified” by the responsibility of adapting such a beloved property but agreed to take the role after being assured creative freedom. “I want to capture the soul of the game and capture the themes of the game but tell a story that you haven’t seen in that world and explore characters you haven’t seen before,” he explained during the presentation.

The film will not be a direct adaptation of the 2019 game. Instead, it will introduce original characters and plotlines within the same universe. As Sarnoski put it, his goal is to balance a “human story” that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers unfamiliar with the franchise.

Meanwhile, A24 continues to build its gaming-to-film portfolio, with an Elden Ring movie by Alex Garland also in the works.

Kojima’s Role in the Project

Though many expected Kojima to direct the film himself, the legendary game creator clarified that he’ll step back from the director’s chair. “If I were directing, I would start saying a lot of things,” Kojima said, noting that he prefers to leave creative space for Sarnoski. Instead, Kojima will serve as a producer, adding, “I trust Michael.”

Casting details remain unannounced, but Norman Reedus, who plays protagonist Sam Porter Bridges in the games, has publicly stated he would be open to reprising his role.

What Do We Know About the Death Stranding Anime?

Death Stranding: Mosquito

Alongside the live-action film, Kojima Productions also revealed Death Stranding: Mosquito, an animated feature currently in production at ABC Animation Studio.

Directed by Hiroshi Miyamoto and written by Aaron Guzikowski (Raised by Wolves, Prisoners), the project will also tell an original story within the Death Stranding universe.

The teaser trailer featured a stylized fight sequence set during a bout of lethal Timefall. It teased familiar concepts from the games, including Repatriates, characters who can return from death, and mysterious Beached Things. One character even wore a mask resembling a mosquito proboscis crafted from the tar-like substance linked to BTs.

Guzikowski described his excitement for the project, saying: “I love the world of Death Stranding, it’s so creatively freeing, so beautifully dark and yet hopeful; I’m so excited and honoured that Hideo Kojima… has invited me to dwell within his creation, to birth new stories into this fertile, mind-bending universe.”

Where Does This Leave the Game Series?

The Death Stranding franchise is still active on the gaming side as well. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach released in June 2025 to critical acclaim and is already considered a contender for year-end awards. Kojima has hinted at ideas for a third entry but has stated he doesn’t plan to make it himself. His studio is also working on other upcoming titles, including OD and Physint.