Don't expect the Death Stranding movie to retell the story of the games, as its director says the film will be set in his 'own corner of the world'

The Death Stranding movie was announced way back in 2022—a length of time that may well have worked out for it given how videogame movie adaptations are suddenly on a hot streak. The project is still in its early stages and the specifics are being hashed out. But one detail has recently been confirmed by director Michael Sarnoski, which is that the cinema version of Death Stranding won't be a straight retread of Kojima's scenic delivery simulator.

During a chat with IGN live (via Eurogamer) about his latest movie The Death of Robin Hood—which arrives in cinemas later this month—Sarnoski shared some additional details on progress with the Death Stranding film: "I'm writing the script right now, and [am] hopefully almost done with that and really excited to dive into it," said Sarnoski, who previously directed the well-received prequel A Quiet Place: Day One.

Rather than retell the story of Sam Porter Bridges' journey across Kojima's 'I can't believe it's not Iceland' depiction of North America, Sarnoski instead says the movie is "a story with my own characters and my own corner of the world." He does hint that viewers "might see some characters from the game pop up"—so there's still hope for a Dollman cameo. But all-told, Sarnoski wants to "explore something that's meaningful to me."

Whatever Sarnoski's vision for Death Stranding, production company A24 seems pleased with progress so far. "They've read a draft. We're working on some revisions together, and they all seem super excited and happy with it," Sarnoski says. Perhaps more importantly, Kojima himself seems pleased with the story Sarnoski is writing. Certainly, Sarnoski is impressed by Kojima, as he keenly explained during the interview:

"I was impressed that when he read this script, without me needing to talk to him about it, he knew every single [film] reference," Sarnoski says. "He was like 'Oh, you're doing a Come and See reference there. I see that. I like that'. He just knows movies incredibly well."

A Death Stranding flick isn't the only game adaptation A24 has in the works. Alex Garland's Elden Ring movie is filming right now, and is expected to release in 2028. Numerous videos from the set have leaked online, including footage of guards strolling around what might be Conwy Castle in North Wales—likely to be serving as a stand in for Elden Ring's sprawling Stormveil Castle.