(Image credit: Xbox)
Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Death Stranding and Metal Gear Solid, is well known for his love of cinema. His social media is frequently awash with his musings on the latest films, and the cinematic scope of his games, such as the lengthy cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid, is renowned. Furthermore, the casting in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach features a roster of impressive Hollywood stars. Despite this, legendary director Guillermo del Toro reportedly advised Kojima to leave movie-making to others.
In a recent Edge Magazine interview, Kojima reflected on a discussion he had with filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, known for Drive, and del Toro. Kojima shared, “I am reevaluating my priorities about what I should do,” noting their conversation evolved into a deeper discussion about how much creative time they have left in life. “I have always harbored a desire to direct a film,” he confessed. “However, if I aim to create a film, I’d have to do it in my 60s, which poses significant physical challenges.”
During this exchange, del Toro suggested Kojima reconsider his filmmaking dreams, saying, “You don’t have to do live-action films. What you’re currently crafting in games mirrors live-action cinema. Avoid the traditional media pursuit of filmmaking and continue your path in gaming.” Kojima expressed his concern for the future, adding, “I’m contemplating the next ten years extensively. As a relatively small company compared to industry giants like Sega or Nintendo, it’s crucial that I guide our team on our direction moving forward.”
Despite del Toro’s advice, Kojima is mildly involved with A24‘s upcoming Death Stranding film. His mysterious horror venture, known as OD, is also gathering high-profile collaborators from Hollywood, including Jordan Peele. So it’s clear Kojima remains deeply connected to cinematic storytelling, albeit through the medium of games.
In a lighter vein, Kojima reportedly favors keeping the team behind Death Stranding 2 relatively small, taking inspiration from a unique tip offered by Mad Max director George Miller about sheep herding, indicating his desire for a focused, agile team.
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