Fans of Hideo Kojima's haunting post-apocalyptic world can breathe a little easier: the long-gestating Death Stranding movie is finally taking shape. Director Michael Sarnoski, who came aboard the A24 project in April 2025, has revealed that the script is now in its final revision stage, bringing the adaptation closer than ever to production.
In an exclusive chat with Collider, Sarnoski shared that he's currently "working on a revision right now" and that the team has a complete script they're thrilled with. The goal now is to deepen the narrative and weave together the themes that made Kojima's 2019 game so unforgettable. "Everyone's really psyched and happy with it," Sarnoski said. "I'm just going through my process of deepening it and finding all those themes and really interconnecting everything as much as possible."
A New Story in a Familiar World
Unlike a straightforward adaptation, Sarnoski isn't retelling Sam Porter Bridges' journey. Instead, he's crafting an original story set within the same eerie, rain-soaked America where spectral creatures roam and isolated colonies struggle to survive. "It's an original story within that world where you might see some characters from the game pop up," he explained. "But really, the core is about these new characters and their journey."
The director aims to capture the emotional resonance he felt while playing the game—themes of connection across space and time, isolation, and the power of creativity. This approach mirrors his work on The Death of Robin Hood, which reimagines the legendary outlaw in a gritty, grounded light. Both projects share a philosophy: honor the source material while forging something entirely fresh.
What to Expect from the Death Stranding Movie
While the film will introduce new protagonists, don't rule out cameos from fan-favorite characters like Deadman (Guillermo del Toro) or Fragile (Léa Seydoux). Sarnoski wants the movie to feel familiar to players but accessible to newcomers. "If you've played the games, there's tons of stuff in there that you'll connect to," he said. "But if you haven't, it very much stands on its own two feet as just this beautiful journey."
This balancing act is key for A24, which has positioned itself as a major player in video game adaptations. The indie studio's involvement has been a source of excitement since 2023, and with Sarnoski's vision, the Death Stranding film could be a landmark project.
Meanwhile, Sarnoski's latest film, The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, and Bill Skarsgård, premiered at the Sydney Film Festival to solid reviews. The movie's gritty, earthy palette—deliberately avoiding the iconic green of Robin Hood lore—showcases Sarnoski's meticulous attention to detail. For more on Jodie Comer's role, check out our interview with the star.
As for Death Stranding, the script's progress is a promising sign that A24's ambitious adaptation is on track. With Kojima's blessing and a director who deeply understands the source material, this could be one of the most anticipated video game movies in years.
