Movie studio A24 is continuing to make some big moves as of late, and they put together a big one right now. A24 and Kojima Productions announced this week that they will be collaborating to adapt Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed video game, Death Stranding, as a live-action feature.
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The studio is the same one behind the Academy Award-winning breakout hit, Everything Everywhere All At Once. A24 also made the news official, posting the news on the studio’s official X account (formerly Twitter), which you can view below:
HIDEO KOJIMA’S DEATH STRANDING GETTING LIVE-ACTION FILM TREATMENT COURTESY OF A24
The announcement comes just before the eighth anniversary of Kojima Productions, which is slated for tomorrow (Dec. 16). The announcement could potentially mark a new milestone in terms of game-to-film adaptations. Kojima Productions’ announcement noted that the film will “deliver into the mysteries surrounding the apocalyptic event called the ‘Death Stranding,’ which blurred the lines between life and death.” The cataclysmic event brought forth nightmarish creatures into the world, which is now on the brink of collapse.
Kojima is long hailed as the architect of the stealth gaming genre and a pioneer of interactive storytelling with his game titles. Kojima’s games are also heavily known for their cinematic style and influences. The game developer is also credited with innovating both storytelling and cinematic presentation in the gaming space as well. In 2020, Kojima was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA by an individual in recognition of exceptional contribution to film, games, or television.
Kojima himself said in the Death Stranding film announcement, “A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other. The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative.” He continued, “I have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. Their innovative approach to storytelling aligns with what Kojima Productions has been doing for the last 8 years.”
Kojima added on the goal with the A24 production: “Now, we are making a Death Stranding movie together. There are a lot of ‘game adaptation films’ out there but what we are creating is not just a direct translation of the game. The intention is that our audience will not only be fans of the games, but our film will be for anyone who loves cinema. We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born.”
The upcoming film is based on the award-winning game of the same name, first released on Nov. 8, 2019 on PlayStation 4. The game is also now available on Windows PC and PlayStation 5. Since its debut, the game has sold over 16 million copies. It also boasts an A-list cast of well-known actors from film and TV, including Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, and Margaret Qualley.
In Death Stranding, gamers take the role of Sam Porter Bridgers, a freelance porter who has been entrusted with the crucial task of reuniting a splintered America. It falls upon Sam Porter to attempt to navigate a fractured world torn asunder by cataclysm and rekindling hope and forging connections with the remnants of humanity.
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A sequel to the first Death Stranding game is currently in the works, and it was announced last year at The Game Awards. Interestingly enough, a movie has been kicked around for another famous Kojima game creation, Metal Gear Solid, for quite some time. However, despite being kicked around by many writers, producers, and filmmakers, the film has never been able to see the light of day.
Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts was previously attached to direct the film with Oscar Isaac on board to star as Solid Snake. However, that was a while ago, and nothing has materialized. It will be interesting to see if the Death Stranding project at A24 yields more success.
What do you think of the news? Are you excited to hear that Death Stranding has a new movie in the works with A24? Do you think A24 is the perfect studio to tackle the project to create something fresh and different? Let us know your thoughts about the news on The Illumienrdi’s social media.
SOURCE: Kojima Productions
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