Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed video game franchise, Death Stranding, is set to expand its universe with an all-new animated series titled Death Stranding: Isolations (working title), slated to premiere exclusively on Disney+ in 2027. The announcement was made by Kojima himself at Disney’s Asia Pacific originals content showcase in Hong Kong, unveiling a significant new chapter for the distinctive world.
A New Narrative Within the Familiar World
Death Stranding: Isolations promises to deliver an original story that explores the profound themes of connection, solitude, and human resilience prevalent in the game, but through the eyes of new characters. The series will follow a young man and woman embarking on an adventure in a world grappling with the aftermath of the cataclysmic “Death Stranding” event. Unlike the game’s protagonist Sam Bridges, the anime will focus on “nameless individuals” surviving in various isolated locations, offering fresh perspectives on a fractured world.
The official synopsis describes a world where “lonesome souls of the dead manifest in the physical world, reaching in search of the living,” triggering massive explosions that eradicate civilization. In this desolate landscape, people remain isolated, and the series will delve into their attempts to cope with this isolation and search for connection.
Key Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
Hideo Kojima will serve as the executive producer for Death Stranding: Isolations, ensuring the series remains true to the spirit and ideas of the original game. The anime is being produced by E&H production, an up-and-coming animation studio.
Director and Character Design
Directing the series is Takayuki Sano, known for his work as an episode animation director on Attack on Titan The Final Season and Bullet/Bullet. The visual style will be further shaped by renowned illustrator Ilya Kuvshinov, celebrated for his character design work on Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, who will serve as the character design concept artist for the series. Early concept art has been released, depicting a boy and a girl alongside familiar items from the game, hinting at the journey ahead for these new protagonists. The series is expected to feature top-class hand-drawn animation, aiming for a bold yet subtle touch that mirrors the game’s aesthetic.
Expanding the Death Stranding Universe Across Mediums
The announcement of Death Stranding: Isolations marks a significant step in Kojima Productions’ strategy to expand the Death Stranding narrative beyond video games. Hideo Kojima has often expressed his vision of creating a narrative world flexible enough to exist across various art forms.
Distinguishing from Other Adaptations
It is important to note that Death Stranding: Isolations is distinct from other announced Death Stranding adaptations.
The “Death Stranding Mosquito” Anime Film
In September 2025, during Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary event, an animated film project with the working title Death Stranding Mosquito was announced. This film, directed by Hiroshi Miyamoto with a screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski, was described by Kojima as a “random side story” within the universe, suggesting it might explore unconventional perspectives without being strictly tied to the game’s main canon. While details on its release are less concrete, a teaser trailer was released, showcasing its stylized, experimental imagery.
Live-Action Film Adaptation
Additionally, a live-action Death Stranding feature film is also in development, a collaboration between Kojima Productions and A24. This film, which will be directed by Michael Sarnoski, is also reportedly targeting a 2027 release. This further illustrates the ambitious multimedia expansion planned for the franchise.
The upcoming Death Stranding: Isolations anime series on Disney+ in 2027 highlights Kojima’s commitment to exploring his unique universe through diverse storytelling avenues, promising fans a fresh and immersive experience within the familiar, haunting world of Death Stranding.
