Death Stranding Movie Gets Second Script Draft as Sarnoski Eyes 2026 Shoot

The Death Stranding movie is moving forward. Director Michael Sarnoski told Variety he's completed a second script draft and is targeting a shoot in Iceland and Northern Ireland next year. A24 is producing alongside Ari Aster, Lars Knudsen, and Hideo Kojima — and yes, characters from the games will appear.

What is the Death Stranding movie actually about?

Sarnoski has been clear that this isn't a straight adaptation of the game's plot. The film is an original story set within the universe Hideo Kojima built — new characters, new narrative, but with familiar faces woven in. As Sarnoski put it: "This takes place in the world of the video game, but I have my own set of characters. There are some like overlapping characters that fans will be excited to see, but it's very much my own story within this universe."

He's aiming for something that feels distinctive: "I want it to feel big, but also offbeat and character driven." That tracks for both his filmmaking style — Pig was quiet and devastating — and for the tone of the source material, which is less about action than about isolation, connection, and grief.

Our take is that an original story is the right call. It gives Sarnoski room to work without being boxed in by plot beats players already know, while the "overlapping characters" offer enough connective tissue to satisfy fans. The real challenge will be capturing what made Death Stranding memorable — its strange, melancholy atmosphere — without the benefit of 40-hour pacing.

Who is behind the Death Stranding movie?

According to Variety, A24 is producing the film in partnership with Ari Aster and his producing partner Lars Knudsen. Hideo Kojima is also heavily involved on the production side. This is a notable lineup: A24 has a strong track record with prestige genre films, Aster's work (Hereditary, Midsommar) shares DNA with Death Stranding's unsettling tone, and Kojima's direct involvement means the film isn't being made without the series creator's input.

Sarnoski's credits include Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One — both films built around atmosphere and character rather than spectacle. His latest, The Death of Robin Hood, is out this week. Death Stranding appears to be his next major project after that.

For more on Kojima's broader creative vision, his views on AI and art are worth a read.

Will Norman Reedus be in the film?

No confirmed cast has been announced. Norman Reedus — who plays Sam Porter Bridges in both games — has publicly stated he'd be open to reprising the role, but that's interest expressed, not a deal signed. Other game cast members like Léa Seydoux (Fragile) and Troy Baker (Higgs) are possible candidates given the "overlapping characters" tease, but nothing has been confirmed.

The original games leaned heavily on established film actors, so it wouldn't be a stretch for the film to do the same. We'll have a clearer picture once production gets closer. This follows earlier reports about familiar faces potentially returning — we covered the game character speculation when it first surfaced.

What else is happening in the Death Stranding universe?

The Death Stranding movie isn't the only expansion of Kojima's universe in the works. An animated TV series and anime film are also reportedly in development, suggesting the franchise is being built out across multiple formats simultaneously.

Kojima himself is currently focused on two other projects at Kojima Productions: OD, an episodic horror game, and Physint, a tactical espionage title expected for PlayStation 6. He's also stated he has ideas for a third Death Stranding game, though he has no current plans to make it himself.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launched in 2025 — if you want context on where the game universe currently stands, our top games of 2025 coverage has it.

What this means for UAE fans

No UAE release date or regional distribution partner has been confirmed yet — that's expected given production hasn't started. When it does arrive, the Death Stranding film is the kind of title that typically gets a wide theatrical release in the UAE. A24 films screen regularly at VOX and Reel Cinemas, and Kojima's games have a dedicated following here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Death Stranding movie a direct adaptation of the game?

No. Director Michael Sarnoski has confirmed it's an original story set within Kojima's universe. It will feature new characters alongside some familiar faces from the games, but the plot is Sarnoski's own — not a retelling of either game's story.

Where is the Death Stranding movie being filmed?

Sarnoski has said he plans to shoot in Iceland and Northern Ireland. No firm production start date has been confirmed, but the target window is 2026 based on current script progress.

Who is directing the Death Stranding movie?

Michael Sarnoski, best known for directing Pig (2021) and A Quiet Place: Day One. He's working with A24, producer Ari Aster, and Hideo Kojima, who is involved in the production.

Will Norman Reedus be in the Death Stranding movie?

Reedus has publicly said he'd be open to reprising his role as Sam Porter Bridges, but no cast has been officially confirmed. Sarnoski mentioned "overlapping characters" from the games will appear, so it remains a possibility.

When will the Death Stranding movie release in UAE cinemas?

No release date has been announced for the UAE or globally. With filming targeting 2026, a theatrical release is unlikely before 2027. UAE distribution details haven't been confirmed yet.

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