Norman Reedus Willing to Reprise Role as Sam Porter Bridges in Death Stranding Film

Norman Reedus, the actor who brought the legendary character Sam Porter Bridges to life in Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding video game saga, has shown his readiness to reprise the role for the forthcoming film adaptation — should the chance present itself. While promoting his new project, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, Reedus was queried by IGN on whether he would think about returning for the Death Stranding film. His reply was enthusiastic: “If it was an option, yeah, for sure.”

Nevertheless, Reedus hastened to note that there are no definite plans at this moment for him to participate in the movie. “I don’t know what’s happening with it, right?” he stated. “It’s so pre-pre [pre-production], but yeah.”

An Enigmatic Adaptation Underway

The Death Stranding film was officially revealed in December 2023 as a partnership between Kojima Productions and the renowned indie studio A24. Known for its unique and frequently genre-bending films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once and Hereditary, A24’s involvement has ignited significant enthusiasm among fans and cinema lovers alike.

Despite the announcement, scant details have surfaced regarding the project. It remains uncertain whether the film will be a direct adaptation of the original 2019 game or an entirely new narrative set within the same universe. Kojima himself suggested a novel storytelling direction, remarking, “Their [A24’s] inventive method of storytelling corresponds with what Kojima Productions has been pursuing for the past 8 years.”

In April 2024, the film made notable progress when Michael Sarnoski, director of Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, was confirmed to lead the project. No additional cast members or creative team members have been disclosed, leaving the possibility open for returning talent — including Reedus.

Reedus and Kojima: A Collaborative Alliance

Reedus and Kojima have cultivated a robust working partnership over the years. Initially slated to star in Kojima’s abandoned Silent Hills endeavor, Reedus ultimately became the face of Death Stranding’s central character, Sam Porter Bridges. His portrayal was lauded for its emotional richness and physicality, helping to animate Kojima’s surreal, post-apocalyptic landscape.

In the same IGN interview, Reedus also shared insights about his experience working on the forthcoming sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is scheduled for release on June 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5. “In terms of collaborating with him [Kojima] and comprehending his mindset, I don’t think anyone can truly grasp that, he’s just that guy, and he has fantastic ideas,” Reedus mentioned. “But in terms of the story, I did have more insight into what was unfolding. There’s more action in it, and there’s a clearer objective to achieve. It’s always an adventure working on those projects.”

What Lies Ahead for Death Stranding?

With the sequel game on the horizon and the film still in its early stages, the Death Stranding universe is set for considerable growth. Fans are keen to discover how Kojima and A24 will adapt the game’s distinctive fusion of science fiction, existential philosophy, and social critique for the cinema.

While Norman Reedus’s participation in the film remains unconfirmed, his willingness to return as Sam Porter Bridges offers a hopeful indication for fans eager to see continuity between the game and its film adaptation. As development advances and additional details surface, the prospect of Reedus reprising his role continues to be an exhilarating possibility.

For the time being, audiences can anticipate Death Stranding 2: On the Beach this summer, while keeping a watchful eye on the progressing narrative of the Death Stranding film — a project that, much like the game itself, is bound to be anything but conventional.