Death Stranding Universe Expands with Animated Film Adaptation

A New Animated Journey from the Mind of Hideo Kojima

Hideo Kojima, one of the most visionary storytellers in the gaming world, is taking his hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic saga Death Stranding into a new format: animation. While a live-action adaptation of Death Stranding is already in development under indie powerhouse A24, Kojima Productions has now announced an animated feature film set in the same universe. This new project is being spearheaded by Aaron Guzikowski, known for the cerebral HBO series Raised by Wolves and Denis Villeneuve’s intense thriller Prisoners.

The animated adaptation will not simply retell the game’s storyline—it will explore fresh narratives within the Death Stranding universe. Guzikowski is crafting an original story that aligns with the game’s themes of connection, isolation, and survival in a fragmented world.

Produced in collaboration with animation studio Line Mileage, the film promises a mature tone, much like recent adult-oriented animated series such as Castlevania and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, both of which Line Mileage contributed to. This project is clearly not aimed at children but is targeted at long-time fans of Kojima’s work and adults who appreciate nuanced storytelling with emotional depth and complex world-building.

The original game, released in 2019, featured a star-studded cast including Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, and Guillermo del Toro. Players were immersed in a bleak yet poetic America torn apart by supernatural forces and a mysterious phenomenon known as the “Death Stranding.” Kojima has called the world “fertile” and “mind-bending,” giving Guzikowski creative room to develop a story that is both dark and hopeful.

Interestingly, this announcement does not replace the live-action Death Stranding movie being handled by A24. That project, led by A Quiet Place: Day One director Michael Sarnoski, continues in parallel. Kojima previously hinted at juggling both projects in an interview with Vogue Japan, emphasizing his commitment to expanding the Death Stranding universe through diverse formats.

What Undercode Say:

The move to create an animated Death Stranding movie is a strategic and creative masterstroke that leverages the current surge in popularity of mature animated content. With animation shedding its stereotype of being “just for kids,” Kojima Productions is entering a golden age of adult storytelling in the medium.

What makes this decision especially impactful is the choice of Aaron Guzikowski as screenwriter. His experience writing layered narratives that explore humanity, dystopia, and psychological struggle mirrors Kojima’s style. Fans of Raised by Wolves will recognize Guzikowski’s knack for blending visual surrealism with philosophical undertones—a perfect match for Death Stranding’s universe.

Furthermore, partnering with Line Mileage ensures quality animation and faithful adaptation. The studio’s previous work on Castlevania and Tomb Raider shows they understand how to transition video game stories into cinematic form without sacrificing depth or fan loyalty.

The separation from the live-action project is also a wise creative move. Animation allows more flexibility in portraying fantastical environments, non-linear timelines, and complex metaphysical concepts that would be expensive or difficult to execute in live-action. While Sarnoski may focus on a more grounded interpretation, the animated version could go full Kojima—unfiltered, stylized, and dreamlike.

What’s particularly compelling is Kojima’s apparent strategy to build a transmedia universe, à la Star Wars or The Matrix, where different media formats enrich and expand on a central mythos. With both a live-action and animated film underway, Death Stranding could evolve into a multimedia franchise, attracting not only gamers but film and animation enthusiasts.

This also signals an important moment in video game storytelling. The shift from linear adaptations toward expanded universes and original narratives shows that creators now trust audiences to engage with complex, layered worlds. If done right, this could redefine how game-based IPs are handled in the entertainment industry.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ Aaron Guzikowski is officially confirmed as the screenwriter.
✅ The animated film is not replacing the live-action version.
✅ Line Mileage has worked on similar mature animation projects.

📊 Prediction:

If the animation stays faithful to Kojima’s core vision and delivers the emotional depth seen in the game, the Death Stranding animated movie could become a landmark project in mature animation. Expect a surge in new fans, critical acclaim on the indie festival circuit, and potential franchise spinoffs (graphic novels, series, etc.). By 2026, it may even set a new benchmark for game-to-animation adaptations.