Death Stranding Film Reveals Director

Michael Sarnoski, the director behind A Quiet Place: Day One, is reportedly on board to write and direct the live-action film adaptation of Kojima Productions' Death Stranding.

According to Deadline, Sarnoski will helm the Death Stranding adaptation, with A24, Kojima Productions, and Square Peg set to produce. Sarnoski directed and wrote the A Quiet Place spin-off Day One and the 2021 film Pig, starring Nicolas Cage. He is also the writer and director for the upcoming A24 project, The Death of Robin Hood.

Few specifics have been shared about the live-action adaptation of Death Stranding. The original 2019 game tasked players with traversing a wasteland to reunite a fractured America during an extinction-level catastrophe, navigating a landscape haunted by terrifying creatures and bizarre phenomena. Its premise is already compelling film material, further enhanced by Hideo Kojima's cinematic vision.

Death Stranding also boasted an ensemble cast featuring Norman Reedus as protagonist Sam Bridges, alongside Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, Guillermo del Toro, and Margaret Qualley. It remains to be seen whether these actors will return for their roles in the live-action version.

Meanwhile, more Death Stranding content is on the way—Kojima Productions recently announced that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will release on PlayStation 5 on June 26, 2025. The sequel has also expanded its cast, adding talents such as Luca Marinelli and Elle Fanning.

Fans hope this Kojima-related project moves forward smoothly, especially as updates on the long-gestating Metal Gear Solid film have slowed. With its star power and cinematic roots, Death Stranding appears well-positioned for a successful transition to live-action.