Kojima Plans Film Directing Post-Physint Release

Hideo Kojima's highly anticipated Physint, the spiritual successor to Metal Gear, won't see release for approximately five to six years.

The legendary game designer revealed this timeline in an interview with Le Film Francais, explaining that his cinematic ambitions must wait until after completing his first proper "action espionage" title since his notorious split from Konami in 2015.

"Recruiting serious development offers has never been an issue since going independent," Kojima stated (via ResetEra user Red Kong XIX's translation). "While we're deep into Death Stranding 2, Physint remains in active development - a project that'll demand half a decade more at minimum."

"Perhaps then I'll finally make that jump to filmmaking," he mused. "Cinema shaped my creative DNA. Directing would be my ultimate homage. Time becomes precious as years pass - I want to chase this dream while I still can!"

PlayStation Studios head Herman Hulst first unveiled Physint during January 2024's showcase, though updates since have been limited. Initially hinting at a hybrid movie-game experience, Kojima later clarified on X/Twitter that it represents "the next evolution of Digital Entertainment" where cinematic production values redefine interactive storytelling.

The project joins Kojima Productions' crowded slate including Death Stranding 2 and the mysterious OD - an Xbox collaboration featuring Hollywood talents like Hunter Schafer and Jordan Peele. Simultaneously, Kojima serves as executive producer for A24's Death Stranding film adaptation.

With Death Stranding 2: On The Beach launching June 26, franchise star Norman Reedus recently teased his potential involvement in the film, telling IGN he'd "absolutely" reprise his role for the big screen.

Fresh off sharing abandoned game concepts - including an intriguing "Forgetting Game" mechanic - Kojima recently disclosed leaving his team a USB drive containing game ideas meant for after his passing, ensuring his creative legacy endures.