The celebrated universe of Death Stranding is set to make its animated debut, with a new series announced for exclusive release on Disney in 2027.
Revealed at the Disney+ Originals Preview at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, this ambitious adaptation aims to capture the essence of Hideo Kojima’s visionary video game through traditional hand-drawn animation and a fresh storyline.
New Animated Series Announcement
The Legendary Game Creator, Hideo Kojima took the stage at the Disney Originals Preview to unveil “Death Stranding Isolations” (working title). With him was the director Takayuki Sano, signaling the franchise’s first partnership with a global streaming platform. The series will be brought to life by Japan’s EH production studio, with acclaimed artist Ilya Kuvshinov providing original character designs.
Creative Team and Visual Direction
EH production is known for its bold yet subtle animation and is taking the series under Sano’s direction. Ilya Kuvshinov, who is celebrated for his work on Ghost in the Shell SAC2045, also delivers new concept art and character perspectives for the project. The animation will utilize a hand-drawn 2D style to evoke the unique atmosphere and emotional depth of the Death Stranding universe.
Storyline and Setting
“Death Stranding Isolations” introduces a self-contained story that’s distinct from the game’s plot. It follows a young man and woman on their journey through a post-apocalyptic world where isolation and loss prevail. Their adventure unfolds amid lonesome souls manifesting in the physical realm, a phenomenon known as the Death Stranding, which has led to the collapse of civilization.
Franchise Legacy and Cultural Impact
The original Death Stranding video game launched in 2019 and amassed over 20 million players globally, praised for its cinematic storytelling and metaphysical themes. The sequel, “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” debuted on PlayStation 5 earlier this year.
Production Timeline and Release
Set for exclusive streaming on Disney in 2027, “Death Stranding Isolations” extends Kojima Productions’ partnership with a major media distributor. The project stands as a landmark collaboration between Japanese animation talent and an international audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the release date for the Death Stranding animated series?
A: The series is scheduled to stream exclusively on Disney in 2027.
Q: Is the animated series based on the original Death Stranding game storyline?
A: No, it presents a completely new story separate from the video game narratives.
Q: Who are the key creators behind the animated series?
A: Hideo Kojima is the executive producer, Takayuki Sano directs, and Ilya Kuvshinov handles original character design.
Q: What animation style will the series use?
A: The series will feature traditional, hand-drawn 2D animation led by EH production studio.
Q: Will fans see characters from the Death Stranding games?
A: The series introduces new characters but remains set in the familiar universe, with thematic ties to the games.
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Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
