Kojima Productions has officially announced an animated film project titled “Death Stranding: Mosquito” (working title), revealing its first teaser trailer and key production staff. The announcement was made during the studio’s 10th-anniversary “Beyond the Strand” livestream event in Tokyo on September 22, 2025. This new venture expands the Death Stranding universe into animation, promising a unique visual style and an original story.
A Glimpse into the “Mosquito” Teaser
The unveiled teaser trailer offers a first look at the animated world of “Death Stranding: Mosquito,” showcasing a distinct art style that combines hand-drawn lines with digital animation. The footage highlights a new protagonist, distinct from the game’s iconic Sam Porter Bridges, who appears to possess the ability to “suck something really important” (though not blood), which directly inspired the film’s working title, “Mosquito.” The teaser features intense action, including a brawl between the new character and a porter, seemingly to protect a small, shadowy creature resembling the game’s Beached Things (BTs). The animation is described as “gorgeous in action” and “impeccably detailed,” aiming to differentiate its look from the games.
Key Staff Bringing the Death Stranding Universe to Animation
The animated film boasts a notable creative team. Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind the Death Stranding game series, will serve as producer for the project.
Director Hiroshi Miyamoto
Directing “Death Stranding: Mosquito” is Hiroshi Miyamoto, known for his work on Sonic Team and Eiga Hugtto! Precure x Futari wa Precure: All Stars Memories. Miyamoto, alongside Kojima, expressed the team’s desire to create a visually distinct animated experience.
Screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski
The screenplay for the animated film is being penned by Aaron Guzikowski, recognized for his work on films such as Prisoners and television series like Raised by Wolves. Guzikowski’s involvement suggests a narrative depth congruent with the complex storytelling of the Death Stranding universe.
Production Studio and Animation Style
ABC Animation Studio, a renowned producer behind anime titles such as A Silent Voice and Violet Evergarden, is producing the film. The animation style employs hand-drawn lines that are then digitally processed to create the final animation. Studio Easter, which worked on Dandadan, is handling the film’s backgrounds.
“Mosquito”: A New Narrative within the Death Stranding World
The animated film is confirmed to tell a new story set within the Death Stranding universe, rather than being a direct adaptation of the games. While it introduces a new main character, familiar elements and potentially other characters from the game series, such as Sam Bridges, may still appear. The working title “Mosquito” is a direct reference to the new protagonist’s unique ability.
Expanding the Death Stranding IP
This animation project is part of a broader expansion of the Death Stranding intellectual property. During the “Beyond the Strand” event, updates were also provided on the forthcoming live-action film adaptation by A24, which will also feature an original story with characters that did not appear in the first game. Kojima Productions is actively broadening the Death Stranding franchise across various media formats, including an anime and a live-action movie.
The release window for “Death Stranding: Mosquito” has not yet been announced.
