Hideo Kojima is partnering with Barbarian executive producer Alex Lebovici to adapt Death Stranding into a feature film under their respective banners.
It was reported that a Metal Gear Solid movie was in development, with Jordan Vogt Roberts as the director and Oscar Isaac starring as Solid Snake. However, while MGS is Kojima's creation, the franchise belongs to Konami. With Death Stranding finding massive success and Death Stranding 2 announced at the Game Awards, it seems Kojima wants to take this franchise even further. Thankfully, he has now been allowed to bring his video game creations to the big screen with Kojima Productions at the helm.
As previously reported, Kojima was interested in creating films and music, which he can now pursue thanks to this new collaboration. Deadline reports Hammerstone Studios is fully financing a Death Stranding film, which is being produced by both Kojima, under Kojima Productions, and Lebovici, under Hammerhead. Plot details and who will write and direct the film adaptation are unknown, but the movie is reportedly in active development. Kojima expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that this represents a “pivotal moment for the franchise.” Lebovici's comments echoed this by saying they are “thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to partner with brilliant and iconic Hideo Kojima on his first film adaptation." Lebovici voiced that this will be unlike any big-budget video game adaptation before it, as the Death Stranding movie will be “far more intimate and grounded,” and will push the boundaries of what’s possible as an “authentic Hideo Kojima Production.”
Kojima had teased an upcoming project that would mean big things for both movies and games, which would be an entirely new concept that utilizes advanced technology. While it is unclear at this point if the new project he was referring to was the Death Stranding film, it is clear that the auteur has a lot on the horizon. This includes a mysterious Cloud game with Xbox Studios.
Even though it was reported that the movie introduces new elements and characters, what remains to be seen is if the Death Stranding film adaptation will be a recreation of the first game, similar to The Last of Us HBO Max series, or if it will act as a spinoff that extends the world and characters of its story. Regardless of the direction the movie takes, this is an exciting time for both Kojima and his fans, as his dream of making a movie is coming true.
The Death Stranding film is in active development.
Source: Deadline
