Michael Sarnoski, the acclaimed director behind "A Quiet Place: Day One," is set to helm the live-action adaptation of Kojima Productions' "Death Stranding." According to Deadline, Sarnoski will both write and direct the film, with production handled by A24 and Kojima Productions, in collaboration with Square Peg. Sarnoski's previous works include the A Quiet Place spin-off "Day One" and the 2021 film "Pig," starring Nicolas Cage. He is also attached to "The Death of Robin Hood," another upcoming A24 project.
While specific details about the "Death Stranding" adaptation remain under wraps, the original 2019 game is ripe for cinematic adaptation. It features players navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland to reconnect a fragmented America amidst an extinction-level event, with eerie creatures and mysterious occurrences adding to the tension. Hideo Kojima's flair for cinematic storytelling further enhances the game's potential for a compelling film.
The game boasted an impressive cast, including Norman Reedus as protagonist Sam Bridges, alongside Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, Guillermo del Toro, and Margaret Qualley. It will be intriguing to see if these actors return for the live-action version.
Fans of the franchise can also look forward to "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach," scheduled for release on June 26, 2025, on PlayStation 5. This sequel will feature new additions to the cast, such as Luca Marinelli and Elle Fanning.
Amidst the excitement for the "Death Stranding" film, the "Metal Gear Solid" movie project continues to progress, albeit with slower updates. Given the rich narrative and star power associated with "Death Stranding," its transition to live-action appears promising.