Kojima Productions has partnered with Hammerstone Studios to develop and produce a film adaptation of the former’s hit video game, Death Stranding, which launched in 2019 and already counts a number of recognizable talents in its cast, including Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen, who play protagonist Sam Porter Bridges and Clifford Unger, respectively.
According to Deadline’s exclusive report, the film is being fully financed by Hammerstone, one of the production studios behind this year’s horror hit, Barbarian, and will be produced by game director Hideo Kojima and Hammerstone founder Lebovici via their respective banners.
Kojima Productions (US) and Allan Ungar will serve as the film’s executive producers.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership with Hammerstone Studios,” said Kojima. “This is a pivotal moment for the franchise and I’m really looking forward to collaborating with them in bringing DEATH STRANDING to the big screen.”
“We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to partner with brilliant and iconic Hideo Kojima on his first film adaptation,” added Lebovici. “Unlike other big budget tentpole video game adaptations, this will be something far more intimate and grounded. Our goal is to redefine what a video game adaptation could be when you have creative and artistic freedom. This film will be an authentic ‘Hideo Kojima’ production.”
Deadline’s report goes on to suggest that the film won’t be a simple and straightforward adaptation of what players might have seen in the game:
The plot for the project, marking Kojima Productions’ first-ever feature adaptation, is being kept under wraps. But we hear that it will introduce new elements and characters within the Death Stranding universe. It’s not yet clear who will write and direct the pic, though we understand it’s now on the fast track, with development underway.
Kojima Productions confirmed that Death Stranding 2 (working title) was in development for the PlayStation 5 last week, releasing a trailer that promised the return of Porter and other key characters.
“As with all of his past masterpieces, the latest title will be produced, written, directed and designed by Hideo Kojima himself,” Kojima Productions said in a press release. “The cast announced so far includes Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and Troy Baker.”
Kojima, who turned 59 this year, is also working on a new game that will leverage Microsoft’s cloud technologies.