Norman Reedus at BAFTA on Death Stranding 2 and Film

Actor Norman Reedus offered unexpected insight into the upcoming Death Stranding 2 and Kojima’s broader vision during his appearance at the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards. Speaking on April 25, Reedus gave fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Hideo Kojima’s creative process and addressed the mysterious A24 film adaptation.

Reedus on Collaborating with Kojima

During a BAFTA livestream, Reedus admitted, “I had no idea what [Hideo Kojima] was trying to build with the first Death Stranding” (BAFTA Games Awards livestream). He praised Kojima as “one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever worked with,” yet confessed that the director’s blend of emotional depth and unconventional storytelling kept him guessing. Reedus also credited director Guillermo del Toro with introducing him to Kojima’s world, calling del Toro “a true visionary” whose recommendation changed his career trajectory.

What Is a Strand Game?

The term “strand game” was coined by Kojima to describe gameplay focused on connection and cooperation rather than direct competition. In Death Stranding, players deliver supplies across a fractured world and indirectly assist one another by leaving resources or structures that appear in other players’ sessions. Reedus hinted that the sequel will deepen this concept: “Kojima’s pushing the strand idea further. You’ll see more ways to link up with strangers.”

A24 Film Adaptation and Reedus’s Role

Perhaps the biggest surprise was Reedus’s update on the A24-produced Death Stranding movie. He revealed, “I honestly don’t know if I’ll be Sam Porter Bridges in the film—or even if I have a part,” underscoring how Kojima’s film plans remain under wraps (BAFTA Games Awards, April 2024). With A24’s reputation for bold, artful cinema, Reedus suggested the adaptation could diverge significantly from the games, potentially introducing new characters or narrative twists.

Implications for Fans

Reedus’s candor offers reassurance to long-time players: Kojima appears committed to innovation rather than revisiting the familiar. Death Stranding 2, due June 26, 2025, on PS5, promises to expand its unique blend of story and cooperative mechanics. Meanwhile, the prospect of a film that might break from established lore leaves both excitement and uncertainty in its wake.

Feature	Specification
Publisher	Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date	June 26, 2025
Genres	Action, Strand (connection-focused), Adventure
Platform	PlayStation 5

Sources: BAFTA Games Awards livestream (April 25, 2024); BAFTA official press release; A24 announcement.