The weird and wonderful mind of Hideo Kojima will soon move away from the world ofvideo games, asDeath Strandinghas just been greenlit for a new anime adaptation. Kojima, the lauded video game creator behind theMetal Gearseries, releasedDeath Stranding, a trippy open-world adventure set in a post-apocalyptic America, in 2019 to incredible acclaim from fans and critics. The game is widely considered to be one of the creator’s best, and it’s already been greenllit for one adaptation. But a secondDeath Strandingadaptation is in the works,and it’s in the only medium that can contain Kojima’s eccentricities.
Hideo Kojima announced the newDeath Strandinganime in a profile piece for Vogue Japan, to promote the sequel video game,Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The video game creator expressed his goals and desires for A24’sDeath Strandingmovie, before casually dropping the bombshell that A24 isn’t the only studio adapting the game. “In fact, we are also currently working on an anime adaptation,” Kojima said.
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‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are penning the screenplay.
No other details about theDeath Strandinganime have been revealed yet. Judging from Hideo Kojima’s limited comment, the project is still in its infancy. Fans are most eager to learn which anime studio will oversee the adaptation. Most have their fingers crossed for one of the major studios like Toei or MAPPA. Although Science SARU, best known forDandadan,Ping Pong the Animation, andDevilman Crybaby, would also be a solid choice, as the studio is renowned for embracing unique art styles and off-beat storytelling.
Hideo Kojima Has High Hopes for A24’s ‘Death Stranding’
During the profile piece, Hideo Kojima also touched upon A24’s upcoming movie adaptation. The steadily growing studio is apparently looking to dominate the video game adaptation market, as it also recently announced thatCivil War’s Alex Garland will be directing anadaptation of FromSoftware’sElden Ring.
“I am also currently working with A24 on a live-action film adaptation ofDeath Stranding,” Kojima continued. The creator explained the difference between the two types of adaptations — some directly adapt the story of the source material, while others build upon the game’s world — and how he wants to approachDeath Stranding. “When it comes to film adaptations of games, there have been recent films likeThe Last of Usthat keep the plot of the original intact, and films likeThe Super Mario Bros. Moviethat are more like a service to game fans.” He continued:
“Each of these works has its own merits, but as a film lover, I want to pursue expression as a film. I am aiming to makeDeath Strandingin a way that can only be done as a film, and that will win awards at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.”
A24’sDeath Strandingfilm was announced in April this year.A Quiet Place: Day One’s director, Michael Sarnoski,is tapped to direct the film. Neither the movie nor the anime adaptations have been given release dates yet.
