Hideo Kojima Confirms Involvement in Death Stranding Movie
Last December, Deadline reported that a Death Stranding movie was in the works. The original game’s studio, Kojima Productions, was set to be one of the main producers. However, there were no details about the writer, director, or cast, or whether any members of the original creative team would be part of the project. Recently, Death Stranding’s game director, Hideo Kojima, took to Twitter to clarify his involvement.
Just to be clear, I am deeply involved in producing, supervising, plotting, look, design and content of the film adaptation of DS, just not in charge of directing.
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) June 18, 2023
In his tweet, Kojima confirmed that he will not be directing the movie. However, fans concerned about his level of involvement can rest assured. Along with his role as a producer, Kojima will be “deeply involved” in various aspects of the film, such as its plot and overall aesthetics. While the movie will take place in the existing Death Stranding world, it will also introduce new elements and characters within that universe, according to Deadline. Whether it’s a retelling of an existing storyline or an entirely new one remains unclear, but the film will undoubtedly have Kojima’s signature touch.
Hammerstone Studios and Creative Freedom
Aside from Kojima Productions, Hammerstone Studios will be co-producing the film. Established in 2018, the studio is known for films like Barbarian (2022) and Bill and Ted Face the Music (2020). Alex Lebovici, the founder of Hammerstone Studios, shared his thoughts on the upcoming project with Deadline:
“We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to partner with brilliant and iconic Hideo Kojima on his first film adaptation. Unlike other big-budget video game adaptations, this will be something more intimate and grounded. Our goal is to redefine what a video game adaptation can be when there’s creative and artistic freedom. This film will truly be an authentic ‘Hideo Kojima’ production.”
While the production teams have yet to announce any directors, writers, or actors attached to the project (and fans are speculating about Nicolas Cage’s involvement), the release is still a few years away. In the meantime, fans can revisit the Death Stranding 2 reveal trailer or indulge in speculation about the game Kojima dreams of creating in space.