Death Stranding’s leap from video game to live-action film promises to deliver a story unlike anything fans have experienced before—and that’s exactly what director Michael Sarnoski is aiming for. But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of retelling the game’s plot, this adaptation will explore fresh narratives within the same mysterious universe, potentially challenging fans’ expectations.
At the heart of this ambitious project is a desire to truly capture the essence—the very soul—of the original game. Michael Sarnoski, known for directing A Quiet Place: Day One, shared his thoughts during Kojima Productions’ Beyond the Strand 10th anniversary livestream on September 23, 2025. Joining Kojima himself and A24’s co-head Sam Hanson on stage, Sarnoski opened up about the unique challenges and freedoms involved in bringing Death Stranding to the big screen.
"When I first joined this project, I felt an immense honor," Sarnoski admitted. "But I was also terrified. Taking on something as vast and complex as Death Stranding, especially after working on A Quiet Place, was daunting. However, after meeting Kojima-san and collaborating with A24, I realized they were willing to give me a remarkable amount of creative freedom." This trust allowed Sarnoski to envision a film that doesn’t simply replicate the game but expands its universe.
Sarnoski emphasized that the live-action film will tell an original story set within the same world as the game, introducing new characters and exploring fresh themes. "Our goal is to capture the spirit and themes of Death Stranding, but to tell a story you haven’t seen before in this universe," he explained. "We want to explore new characters, utilize real-world locations that feel authentic, and dive into the nuanced storytelling that the game is known for—both on a grand scale and in intimate moments."
This approach aims to strike a delicate balance: making the film accessible to newcomers who have never played the game, while also offering something meaningful and rewarding for longtime fans. "Finding that balance is key," Sarnoski said. "We want to tell a deeply human story that stands on its own, yet still resonates with everything fans love about the game."
Hideo Kojima himself weighed in on the project, highlighting why the film couldn’t simply condense the game’s sprawling 70 to 80-hour experience into a two-hour movie. "That would be impossible," Kojima said. "So, creating a new story within the Death Stranding world is essential. I wanted someone who could both write and direct, and I trust Michael completely. I’m stepping back from heavy involvement because if I get too involved, I’d start micromanaging like a producer."
In addition to the live-action film update, Kojima revealed exciting news about the animated Death Stranding movie, now titled Death Stranding: Mosquito. While screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski was already known to be attached, the event introduced Hiroshi Miyamoto from ABC Animation Studio as the animation director. Miyamoto hinted that the title "Mosquito" relates to the main character’s unique ability to "suck something"—but not blood, adding an intriguing layer of mystery.
The 10th anniversary celebration also showcased Kojima Productions’ broader creative ventures. They announced a new augmented reality project in collaboration with Niantic Spatial, unveiled a teaser trailer for their upcoming game OD (now subtitled "Knock"), and shared poster art along with cast details for their stealth game Physint.
This multifaceted expansion of the Death Stranding universe raises fascinating questions: Will fans embrace a story that diverges from the original game’s narrative? How will newcomers react to a film deeply rooted in a complex, richly detailed world? And could this approach set a new standard for video game adaptations, or risk alienating the core audience? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you think creating an entirely new story within the same universe is the right move, or should adaptations stick closer to the source material? Join the conversation below!
