Death Stranding appears to be expanding beyond live-action into anime territory. Ahead of June's Death Stranding 2: On the Beach release, legendary director Hideo Kojima has seemingly revealed plans for an animated adaptation.
Kojima Confirms Anime Adaptation Alongside Live-Action Film
In a recent interview with Vogue Japan (via VGC), Kojima discussed his ongoing partnership with A24 for the live-action Death Stranding movie before dropping a bombshell: an anime version is also in development. Here's his translated statement:
"I'm currently collaborating with A24 on a live-action film adaptation of 'DEATH STRANDING.' While some adaptations strictly follow the game's story—like 'The Last of Us'—others, such as 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' focus more on fan service. Each approach has merit, but as a cinephile, I want to push cinematic expression forward. My goal is to craft 'DEATH STRANDING' as a unique film experience worthy of Cannes and Venice Film Festivals. And yes—we're also developing an anime adaptation."
No animation studio has been confirmed yet, but this signals Death Stranding's expansion into yet another medium.
Live-Action Film Began Development in 2023
A24 officially announced its collaboration with Kojima Productions in late 2023. Kojima emphasized that their adaptation wouldn’t be a straight retelling of the game: "Our vision extends beyond just pleasing fans—this will be a film for cinema lovers. We're sculpting a Death Stranding universe impossible to create anywhere except film."
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Michael Sarnoski ('A Quiet Place: Day One') boarded the project as writer-director. Norman Reedus, who plays Sam Bridges in the game, expressed enthusiasm about reprising his role, stating he’d "of course" return "if given the chance."
The Anime's Potential Excites Fans
With Death Stranding's surreal visuals and philosophical themes, anime offers limitless creative possibilities. Imagining studios like Studio Trigger ('Cyberpunk: Edgerunners') handling its apocalyptic landscapes sparks excitement—how would their distinct energy reshape Kojima's world?
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As for gaming, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. For hands-on impressions after spending 30+ hours with the sequel, check out our detailed preview.
