Hideo Kojima to Oversee Death Stranding Movie — But Won’t Micromanage: “I’ll let them work on it without too much of my input”

The Death Stranding universe is expanding fast, and Hideo Kojima is letting others take the lead, at least when it comes to the upcoming movie.

In a recent interview, Kojima talked about the live-action Death Stranding film, which is being developed with A24. The project is set to be directed by Pig filmmaker Michael Sarnoski, with producers Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen also involved.

Though Kojima is helping guide the project, he says he won’t be stepping in too much during the creative process.

“I think I will help produce it – I need to kind of guide the project – but I can’t direct it myself, schedule-wise,” Kojima said. “I made Death Stranding as a game, so in order to turn it into a movie, it’ll be something totally different. But it’s my baby, so I would like to overlook the project.”

Kojima explained that his role will be more of a guiding one, and he trusts the team he’s working with. “I’ll let them work on it without too much of my input, because that might get in their way. I don’t want to go in and ask them to make a bunch of changes; that’s not cool. I have to trust these people, and I trust A24 and Michael.”

The Death Stranding film was first announced back in December 2022. At the time, Kojima Productions revealed that they were partnering with Alex Lebovici and Hammerstone Studios, with Allan Ungar joining as executive producer.

A year later, in December 2023, A24 confirmed they were co-producing the movie. And in April 2025, it was made official that Michael Sarnoski would direct. Kojima later confirmed the film is aiming for a 2027 release.

But that’s not the only version of Death Stranding fans can look forward to. There’s also an animated feature in the works. Deadline reported that Aaron Guzikowski, best known for Raised by Wolves, is writing the script. This animated version will be aimed at adults and is said to be completely separate from the live-action film.

Guzikowski shared his excitement about joining the project. “I love the world of Death Stranding, it’s so creatively freeing, so beautifully dark and yet hopeful; I’m so excited and honored that Hideo Kojima, whose work I’ve long admired, has invited me to dwell within his creation,” he said. “Drawing and animation have always been near and dear to my heart, so to finally get to play in this space is a dream come true.”

Unlike the live-action movie, the animated film will tell an original story set within the Death Stranding world. It’s a new chapter that adds to the franchise’s growing universe.

With both a live-action movie and an animated feature on the way, Death Stranding is moving far beyond the world of gaming. And while Kojima may be taking a step back from hands-on control, it’s clear that his vision is still guiding everything.

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