Helmer of A Quiet Place: Day One Tapped for Adaptation of Hideo Kojima’s Acclaimed Sci-Fi Game
In a major move that’s bound to excite both gamers and film enthusiasts, Michael Sarnoski, the rising director best known for Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, has officially signed on to write and direct the live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding. The project is a collaboration between A24, Kojima Productions, and Square Peg, the production company led by Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen.
According to Deadline, the film will explore the eerie and fragmented world introduced in the 2019 PlayStation title created by legendary game designer Hideo Kojima. Known for its cryptic storytelling and unique gameplay mechanics, Death Stranding centers around a mysterious event known as the “Death Stranding” — a reality-bending catastrophe that has blurred the lines between life and death, spawning otherworldly threats and isolating what remains of humanity.
What to Expect from the Film
While plot specifics are still under wraps, the film is expected to maintain the emotional and philosophical depth that made the game a cult phenomenon. At its core, Death Stranding tells the story of Sam Porter Bridges, a lone courier (voiced and modeled after Norman Reedus) who must traverse a devastated America to reconnect isolated cities and rebuild society.
The original game featured a high-profile cast including Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Margaret Qualley, Guillermo del Toro, and Troy Baker, setting a new bar for cinematic ambition in video games. Whether the same cast will reprise their roles in the adaptation is still unknown.
From Indie Darling to Genre Blockbuster
Michael Sarnoski became a breakout name in Hollywood after the critical success of Pig (2021) starring Nicolas Cage, which showcased his talent for emotional storytelling. That success landed him the directorial role for A Quiet Place: Day One, which debuted in summer 2024 and grossed over $250 million globally.
Now, with Death Stranding, Sarnoski adds a major science-fiction IP to his growing resume. He’s also completing post-production on Death of Robin Hood, an upcoming A24 film starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer.
Kojima Universe Expands Beyond Gaming
The news of the adaptation comes as Death Stranding continues to expand its multimedia presence. During SXSW 2025, Kojima Productions unveiled the official trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, confirmed a June 26 release date, announced a global concert tour, and teased a luxury collaboration with Hamilton Watches.
The sequel will bring back Reedus, Seydoux, and Baker, and introduce new cast members such as Elle Fanning, George Miller, and Luca Marinelli, promising to take the franchise even further into cinematic territory.
A24’s Bold Foray into Gaming-Inspired Films
This marks another major step for A24 as the indie powerhouse embraces bold genre projects. Known for arthouse hits like Hereditary, The Lighthouse, and Uncut Gems, A24 continues to push boundaries—this time, with one of the most philosophically layered video games of the last decade.
With Michael Sarnoski’s visionary approach, Kojima’s signature storytelling, and A24’s bold production style, Death Stranding is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious video game adaptations in film history.