The upcoming live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding is being directed by Michael Sarnoski, but originally, the director`s chair could have been offered to someone else. Noah Sacco, head of film at A24, revealed in an interview that he initially approached game director and writer Hideo Kojima to helm the project. “Are you sure you don`t want to direct?” Sacco recalled asking Kojima during their conversation with The New Yorker.
That`s all Sacco disclosed on the matter, so the specifics of their conversation and Kojima`s response remain unknown. Regardless, Kojima will not be directing the film.
Meet the Director: Michael Sarnoski
Sarnoski gained critical acclaim for directing the Nicolas Cage film Pig. He also helmed A Quiet Place: Day One (2024). In addition to Death Stranding, Sarnoski is set to direct The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman as the titular character.
Sarnoski is not only directing the Death Stranding film but also writing its screenplay. While Kojima himself is not involved in writing or directing, his company, Kojima Productions, is serving as a producer.
Kojima`s Vision for the Adaptation
Kojima emphasized that the Death Stranding film will not be “just a direct adaptation of the game.” Instead, the movie aims to captivate both fans of the game and “anyone who loves cinema.”
It`s still early days for the Death Stranding movie; information regarding the cast or release date is not yet available. Norman Reedus, who portrays the main character Sam in the Death Stranding games, has expressed his openness to reprising his role in the film. Additionally, an animated film is also in development as part of the broader Death Stranding universe.
The Gaming Universe and Other Projects
Regarding the game series, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was released in June. While Kojima has ideas for Death Stranding 3, he does not plan to develop it himself. Kojima is also currently working on the games OD and Physint.
A24 is also producing the film adaptation of Elden Ring, with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Alex Garland set to direct. Sacco noted that Garland was so passionate about creating the movie that he presented Sacco with a 160-page script draft, alongside 40 additional pages of visual concepts. According to Sacco, when approached to direct the Elden Ring movie, Garland enthusiastically responded, “F**k yeah!”