It looks like yet another video game is getting a Hollywood makeover. Kojima Productions is partnering with Hammerstone Studios to create a Death Stranding movie. The announcement comes shortly after Kojima Productions’ announcement for Death Stranding 2 at The Game Awards 2022. It isn’t a surprising move for Kojima Studios considering it opened an LA-based office in 2021 with plans to focus on film and television.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership with Hammerstone Studios” says game director and founder Kojima Production’s founder Hideo 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.”
Hideo Kojima will Supervise Death Stranding Film Production
The Death Stranding film will feature new characters and elements, allowing viewers to glimpse the dystopian world from a new perspective. Kojima and Alex Lebovici will supervise the film’s development. Lebovici is a Hammerstone Studios film producer known for producing Bill and Ted Face the Music (2020), Come Away (2020) and Boy Kills World (2023). He states that Hammerstone Studios is excited to work with Kojima on his first film adaptation.
“We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to partner with brilliant and iconic Hideo Kojima on his first film adaptation. Unlike other big-budget tentpole videogame adaptations, this will be something far more intimate and grounded,” says Lebovici. “Our goal is to redefine what a videogame adaptation could be when you have creative and artistic freedom. This film will be an authentic Hideo Kojima production.”
Currently, no details concerning the film’s plot and cast are available. However, according to Kojima, the Death Stranding movie’s development is on the fast track. While the film will feature new characters, it is unknown whether Norman Reedus will make a cameo appearance as Sam Porter Bridges.
The Games to Film Craze
Not long ago, hearing your favorite game was getting a film adaptation was a recipe for disappointment. Video games aren’t a linear experience the way movies are; thus, the film industry struggled to satisfy video game fans. However, with the slew of video games set to receive film and television adaptations, Hollywood has grown more confident in its ability to create successful video game-based movies. Amazon recently announced that the God of War series it’s been eyeing is officially a go. Likewise, a Bioshock film is in development at Netflix while American McGee’s Alice is receiving a television series.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
