Hideo Kojima Confirms Death Stranding Anime

It appears Death Stranding is expanding beyond live-action adaptations, with an anime series now in the works. Ahead of the June release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, director Hideo Kojima has hinted at an anime version of the game being in development.

In an interview with Vogue Japan(VGC), Kojima discussed his ongoing partnership with A24 on the live-action Death Stranding movie. He concluded the conversation with a brief mention of an anime adaptation currently underway. Here's an excerpt from the translated interview:

"I am currently collaborating with A24 on a live-action film adaptation of 'DEATH STRANDING'. Recent game-to-film adaptations range from faithful narrative retellings like 'The Last of Us' to celebratory fan-service pieces like 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie'. Each approach has merit, but as a cinephile, my goal is to pursue a unique cinematic expression. I aim to create a 'DEATH STRANDING' film that leverages the unique language of cinema, worthy of acclaim at festivals like Cannes and Venice. Additionally, we are actively developing an anime adaptation."

While the specific animation studio remains unconfirmed, this statement strongly suggests another Death Stranding adaptation is indeed on the horizon, this time in anime format.

Back in 2023, A24 officially announced its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the live-action Death Stranding film. At the time, Kojima clarified the project would not be a simple, direct translation of the game. "Our aim is to engage not just game fans, but anyone who appreciates cinema," Kojima stated. "We are crafting a previously unseen Death Stranding universe, one that can only be realized through the art of filmmaking."

Earlier this year, reports indicated that Michael Sarnoski, director of A Quiet Place: Day One, joined the project to write and direct the film adaptation. Norman Reedus, the star of Death Stranding, has expressed interest, saying he would "of course" reprise his role in the movie if given the opportunity.

The prospect of an anime adaptation adds an intriguing new dimension. The creative possibilities for the Death Stranding universe in an animated space are vast, and the final product could vary dramatically depending on the studio involved. The idea of a Studio Trigger interpretation of Death Stranding, for instance, is an exciting thought.

Every IGN Kojima Game Review

View 10 Images

On the gaming front, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. For insights into the development of this sequel, explore our detailed hands-on impressions after spending 30 hours with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.