Hideo Kojima has confirmed that an anime adaptation of Death Stranding is officially underway, separate from the live-action film already in development.
In an interview with Vogue Japan, the creator behind Kojima Productions spoke about expanding the Death Stranding universe across multiple formats. Kojima emphasized that he aims to explore cinematic storytelling in new ways rather than simply replicating the game.
“I’m currently working with A24 on a live-action film adaptation,” he said. “But I also want to create a version of Death Stranding that’s unique to film, something that could even win awards at Cannes or Venice.”
In the same breath, Kojima revealed that an anime adaptation is also in production. This is the first concrete confirmation of the project, following earlier mentions of anime as a potential medium for the franchise.
Back in September 2024, Kojima told Variety that the next phase of the Death Stranding IP would include various forms of media like movies, anime, and television, part of a broader strategy to strengthen the brand beyond games.
The live-action Death Stranding movie, also in development with A24, will be written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for A Quiet Place: Day One. Kojima previously stated that he chose A24 to avoid making a typical Hollywood blockbuster, instead opting for something more artistic.
While no release window has been shared for the anime, Kojima’s multi-pronged expansion of the Death Stranding universe now includes the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, a film, and an animated adaptation, marking a significant leap into cross-media storytelling.
Kojima also mentioned recently that he does not want to work on Death Stranding 3 anytime soon, with his focus shifting to other projects like Overdose and Physint, both of which will likely start franchises of their own. So other forms of media like anime, shows, and movies might be best suited for the future of the IP.
