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    Film in the Death Stranding Universe Is in the Works

    Hideo Kojima's latest "movie-game" has spawned a movie.

    In an exclusive by Matt Grobar of Deadline, it’s been revealed that Kojima Productions is working with Hammerstone Studios to create a Death Stranding movie. The article states they’re working on a “film adaptation”, but later goes on to say the plot is “being kept under wraps” and that it will “introduce new elements and characters within the Death Stranding universe”. With this information, it’s hard to determine whether the film will be a retelling of the game’s story, or a new tale set in its strange and macabre universe.

    Sam Porter Bridges walking through one of Death Stranding's opening areas
    Unfaithful adaptation: the film’s likely to cut 25+ hours of hiking

    This announcement follows last week’s reveal trailer for PlayStation 5 exclusive Death Stranding 2 (Working Title). DS2 hasn’t been given a release window. Though video games take many years to make, video game movies have a history of falling into development hell; it’s unclear which of these projects will release first.

    The game’s all-star cast also calls into question how casting a Death Stranding movie would work. Would all the actors return? How would they handle Norman Reedus’ physique being altered for the game? With directors Guillermo del Toro and Nicolas Winding Refn lending their likenesses but not their voices or performances, how would they reprise their roles in a film?

    According to Deadline, “it’s not yet clear who will write and direct the pic”. I think it’s safe to assume that the Death Stranding movie will not be directed by Hideo Kojima. Not only will Kojima be busy directing Death Stranding 2, but if he was directing the film, it’s very likely it’d be announced along with the film; he’s a bankable name, and he puts his signature on everything he helms. Kojima recently hosted both RRR director S. S. Rajamouli and Nope director Jordan Peele on his Spotify podcast Brain Structure. He also visited Peele during his recent trip to the US for The Game Awards. Peele’s horror chops would make him an obvious pick for the director of a Death Stranding movie, but it’s unknown if this is in the cards.

    On the subject of the film, and Kojima Production’s collaboration with Hammerstone Studios, Kojima had this to say: “I couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership with Hammerstone Studios. 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.”

     

    SourceDeadline
    BusterSwordBoy
    BusterSwordBoy
    BusterSwordBoy is a video game enthusiast who writes about them here, plays them live on Twitch, and talks about them endlessly to anyone who will listen. Subjectively believes that the PS2 is objectively the greatest console of all time, but also loves games from far older hardware, and new releases as well.

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