In a move that surprises and excites in equal measure, A24 is officially bringing Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed video game Death Stranding to the big screen. After two years of development under wraps, the project has now found its creative lead: Pig director Michael Sarnoski will both write and direct the upcoming film adaptation.
Known for its surreal visuals, genre-defying narrative, and philosophical undertones, Death Stranding has been a standout title in the world of gaming since its release. The game follows a mysterious deliveryman traversing a fractured, post-apocalyptic America, where the barrier between the living and the dead has been catastrophically breached. With nightmarish creatures roaming the land and humanity on the brink, the story quickly became a cult phenomenon — and now, it’s headed for a cinematic transformation.
Sarnoski, whose breakout film Pig earned widespread praise for its emotional depth and restraint, will bring his unique voice to the adaptation. He is also currently in post-production on another A24 project, The Death of Robin Hood, starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer.
The original Death Stranding featured motion capture and performances from Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Guillermo del Toro, Elle Fanning, and Margaret Qualley. While no casting announcements have been made for the film, fans are already speculating whether any of these high-profile names might return for the live-action version.
Plot details remain tightly guarded, but early reports suggest the film will explore the mystery of the 'Death Stranding' event itself — a catastrophic rupture that blurred the boundaries between worlds.
With this project, A24 steps far outside its usual indie comfort zone — but perhaps that’s the point. The studio has built its reputation on genre-bending, emotionally resonant storytelling. Now, by teaming up with one of gaming’s most iconic creators, it seems ready to test the boundaries of what a video game movie can be.
