Fans of Hideo Kojima's surreal, post-apocalyptic epic Death Stranding have reason to celebrate. The live-action film adaptation, co-produced by A24, is moving forward with a script that's nearly finished—and it has the blessing of the game's visionary creator himself.
Director and writer Michael Sarnoski, who helmed the Nicolas Cage drama Pig and the prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, recently shared an update on the project's progress. In an exclusive interview, he revealed that the screenplay is in its final stages and that Kojima has already read a draft. “They've read a draft. We're working on some revisions together, and they all seem super excited and happy with it,” Sarnoski said. He added that Kojima was impressed by how the script captured the game's cinematic influences without needing explanation.
The adaptation was first announced in December 2022, with A24 coming on board as co-producer alongside Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen. The film is slated for a 2027 release, giving the creative team plenty of time to refine their vision. Sarnoski emphasized that while the movie will honor the game's core themes and setting, it will also carve its own identity. “It's very much its own thing,” he explained, noting that he has the freedom to introduce new characters while still incorporating familiar faces from the game.
Death Stranding is set in a fractured United States after a cataclysmic event called the Death Stranding, which unleashed otherworldly creatures known as BTs. Players control Sam Porter Bridges, a courier played by Norman Reedus, who must reconnect isolated colonies via a wireless network. The game also features performances by Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, and Margaret Qualley, among others. Sarnoski teased that several of these characters may appear in the film, but the focus will be on a character that “made sense in that world” and allowed him to “really dive into” the story.
This project is part of a trio of Death Stranding adaptations in the works, including an anime film and an animated series. The live-action film marks Kojima's first major foray into Hollywood after his split from Konami in 2015, and it's a high-stakes venture for A24, known for its prestige horror and arthouse hits. For fans of the game, the news that Kojima is actively involved and pleased with the direction is a promising sign.
As the entertainment world eagerly awaits more details, Sarnoski's update offers a glimpse into a thoughtful, collaborative process. The film aims to capture the haunting, lonely beauty of the game while delivering a fresh narrative experience. For now, we'll have to wait until 2027 to see how this ambitious adaptation unfolds.
In the meantime, if you're looking for more gripping dystopian tales, check out our list of dystopian finales that blend Hunger Games and Blade Runner. And for those who love high fantasy, don't miss our ultimate ranking of the best high fantasy video games.
