Kojima Productions has announced that its Death Stranding anime series, known for now as Death Stranding: Isolations, will stream exclusively on Disney Plus. The project features Hideo Kojima as executive producer and Takayuki Sano as director, with a planned release in 2027. The series offers an original story set in the game's universe, produced in a traditional hand-drawn 2D animation style.
Announcement Details
Kojima Productions revealed the anime adaptation of Hideo Kojima's acclaimed video game Death Stranding on November 13, 2025. The series, tentatively titled Death Stranding: Isolations, marks an expansion of the franchise into animation. It was first hinted at by Kojima in May 2025 during casual conversation, building anticipation among fans.
Hideo Kojima serves as executive producer, while Takayuki Sano from E&H production directs. The studio, described as Japan's up-and-coming animation outfit, employs top talent for the hand-drawn 2D style. Concept art was shared, created by Ilya Kuvshinov, known for character designs in Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045.
Story Synopsis
The official synopsis from Kojima Productions outlines a narrative tied to the game's themes: "Once, there was an explosion... Lonesome souls of the dead manifest in the physical world, reaching in search of the living. However, the connection they create triggers a massive explosion that eradicates anything of this world - a phenomenon referred to as the Death Stranding. These events wipe out nations as well as civilization itself. People who remain are now isolated, withdrawn, and without connections."
It continues with a legendary porter reconnecting humanity, paralleling Sam Bridges' journey in the game. New characters include an old man seeking alternative salvation, a female warrior promoting constant fighting, a boy with a grudge against Bridges, and a girl embracing loneliness. Their stories converge amid another impending explosion.
Broader Context
This anime follows the spirit of the original game, depicting isolation and connection in North America. Separately, a live-action film adaptation is in development with A24, announced in December 2023, highlighting Kojima's growing multimedia ventures. The exclusive Disney Plus release means subscribers will access the series, potentially broadening the franchise's reach beyond gaming audiences.