Norman Reedus is one of those actors who are always in vogue. Whether it’s for his role in The Walking Dead, for his collaborations with Hideo Kojima, or for his always unique choice of roles, he is one of those actors that is always enjoyable to watch on screen. And it seems that lately he has been delving into a medium he hadn’t paid much attention to until now: anime. Hideo Kojima is to blame. Norman Reedus, in an interview for GQ Hong Kong, stated that he has been getting into anime. And that the blame is on Hideo Kojima. “There’s Chainsaw Man, […]
Norman Reedus is one of those actors who is always in vogue. Whether it’s for his role in The Walking Dead, his collaborations with Hideo Kojima, or his always unique choice of roles, he is one of those actors that is always enjoyable to watch on screen. And it seems that lately, he has been delving into a medium he hadn’t paid much attention to until now: anime.
Hideo Kojima is the guilty one
Norman Reedus, in an interview for GQ Hong Kong, stated that he has been getting into anime. And the blame is on Hideo Kojima. “There’s Chainsaw Man, which Hideo Kojima told me about. He says it’s his favorite,” thus revealing the favorite anime of one of the most appreciated video game directors in the world. In turn, this appreciation for Chainsaw Man has earned him a lot of reputation among the kids for knowing Chainsaw Man.
But it seems there is a reason why he is interested in anime and Chainsaw Man in particular. Because according to Reedus himself, “I was in Tokyo looking for manga, because I have a production company and I was looking for cool things to do.” Considering that Chainsaw Man has gained popularity among young people and is the favorite manga and anime of Hideo Kojima, it seems that Reedus might be interested in turning it into a movie or a live-action series.
While this is not confirmation of anything regarding the future of Chainsaw Man, it does not mean that we won’t have more anime. Its second season, which will adapt the second half of the original manga, has been announced, although there is still no release date. So if you like Chainsaw Man, you better brace yourself for patience, because while it is true that the franchise seems more alive than ever, nothing is going to happen in the short term.
There is only one thing that Hideo Kojima likes more than making weird video games with long cutscenes: going to the movies and sharing his opinions so that we all know what he thinks. What a character. Aware that a large part of the audience is guided by his recommendations, the genius and creator of Metal Gear Solid has never hesitated to be brutally honest when he goes to the movies… Or, as is the case here, surprising us with details about how a movie he enjoyed was made. Kojima feels the Force without caring one bit about what the critics or the box office say about The Mandalorian […]
There is only one thing that Hideo Kojima likes more than making weird video games with long cutscenes: going to the movies and sharing his opinion so that everyone knows what he thinks. What a character he is. Aware that a large part of the audience is guided by his recommendations, the genius and creator of Metal Gear Solid has never hesitated to be brutally honest when he goes to the cinema… Or, as is the case here, surprising with details about how a movie he enjoyed was made.
Kojima Feels the Force
Without caring a bit about what the critics or the box office say about The Mandalorian & Grogu, Kojima has reflected on his experience with the saga: “In 2019 I had only seen the beginning of The Mandalorian while examining the virtual production technology used to film it, but this time I had no trouble diving in“. In other words: he had a blast.
“Action, chases, close-quarters combat, sword fights, shootouts, death battles, aerial fights, giant monsters, giant mechs. A “free-for-all”. CGI, puppets, special makeup, animatronics, stop motion. Even the craftsmanship behind the scenes seems to have given it their all. X-Wings, AT-ATs, AT-RTs, speeders, stormtroopers, droids. Almost every element of the saga is there. A fun spectacle made with artisan skills by Jon Favreau”. Honestly? It’s not the best movie of the year by any means, but it’s true: few can match its entertainment value.
I watched “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu”in IMAX. Back in 2019, I had only seen the opening of The “Mandalorian” while examining the LED-shot “virtual production” technology, but this time I had no problem diving in. Action, car chases, close-quarters combat, sword fights,… pic.twitter.com/mEu26Zr3UH
I don’t know if The Mandalorian and Grogu will recoup the money that Disney has spent on it (especially on the promotional campaign), but I hope it does, because we need more movies like this. That show that franchises and sagas can also have smaller, more contained chapters, where the fate of the multiverse is not always at stake. That it can simply be a spectacular entertainment.
In 2018, Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator of the Metal Gear series, visited Valve’s headquarters to discuss his new project, Death Stranding. Recently, emails have been made public in the context of the lawsuit between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, revealing the personal and professional connection between Kojima and Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve. After the meeting, Newell offered to introduce Kojima to people at OpenAI and Musk, highlighting Kojima’s interest in artificial intelligence and space. A trial that is providing us with interesting information Kojima, known for […]
In 2018, Hideo Kojima, the renowned creator of the Metal Gear series, visited Valve’s headquarters to discuss his new project, Death Stranding. Recently, emails have been made public in the context of the lawsuit between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, revealing the personal and professional connection between Kojima and Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve. After the meeting, Newell offered to introduce Kojima to people at OpenAI and Musk, highlighting Kojima’s interest in artificial intelligence and space.
A trial that is giving us interesting information
Kojima, known for being a true visionary in the field of video games, expressed his fervent desire to travel to space. In his book, The Creative Gene, he mentions: “If I could make a wish, it would be to go to space before I die”. The intensity of this aspiration has even led him to consider sacrificing his career and personal relationships for a brief experience in Earth’s orbit.
Despite Musk showing interest in facilitating a tour of the SpaceX factory for Kojima, the meeting never materialized. Even in 2020, Kojima’s desire to visit SpaceX remained strong, as affirmed by Musk himself on Twitter: “He is always welcome.” Thus, the Japanese creator’s desire to explore the cosmos has been made clear on multiple occasions, highlighting his passion for space exploration.
Regarding his interest in OpenAI, Musk expressed in an email that his involvement with the organization is limited, although he remains in contact. This exchange also highlighted Newell’s concerns about the potential of neuromodulation, a topic that later led him to found his own neuroscience company: Starfish Neuroscience.
The emails, which also reveal intriguing technical aspects about Neuralink, are a testament to the intersection between entertainment technology and scientific advancements today.
Recently, David Hayter, the voice of the legendary character Snake in the Metal Gear Solid series, admitted in an interview with Fall Damage that, despite playing the protagonist, he does not fully understand the complexity of the franchise’s narrative. Hayter clarified that while he follows the general thread of the story, there are many nuances and details that escape him. “Do I understand the story of Metal Gear Solid? Basically, I do; do I understand it all? Absolutely not,” he confessed, adding that he often asked the team about the meaning of certain lines during recordings. He understands the basics Despite this confusion, […]
Recently, David Hayter, the voice of the legendary character Snake in the Metal Gear Solid series, admitted in an interview with Fall Damage that, despite playing the protagonist, he does not fully understand the complexity of the franchise’s narrative.
Hayter clarified that, while he follows the general thread of the story, there are many nuances and details that escape him. “Do I understand the story of Metal Gear Solid? Basically, I do. Do I understand it all? Absolutely not,” he confessed, adding that he often asked the team about the meaning of certain lines during recordings.
However, he argues that the essence of the plot is relatively simple, developing over seven canonical games, although in titles like Metal Gear Solid 4 it becomes somewhat more confusing. Aspects such as characters that seem possessed or retcons that link stories to other games often complicate the experience for players.
What is undeniable is the ability of Metal Gear Solid to create a rich and detailed world, which has contributed to its legacy in the world of video games. The narrative ambition of creator Hideo Kojima has been so prominent that, according to Hayter, his portrayal of the character almost cost him a lawsuit, highlighting the intensity of the connection between the characters and their creator.
Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game creator, continues to challenge the norms of the industry with his bold and risky approach to video game development. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, actor Troy Baker, who worked on Death Stranding 2, emphasized the importance of trust in the creative process under Kojima’s direction. Baker highlighted that, unlike many developers who focus on keeping players entertained, Kojima seeks to leave a lasting and meaningful impression on players. An artist with clear priorities Kojima’s commitment to taking “big creative risks” is evident in his […]
Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game creator, continues to challenge the norms of the industry with his bold and risky approach to video game development. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, actor Troy Baker, who worked on Death Stranding 2, emphasized the importance of trust in the creative process under Kojima’s direction.
Kojima’s commitment to taking “big creative risks” is evident in his work. Baker, who played the character Higgs, argues that this mutual trust allows Kojima to create intertwined characters within a broader narrative, contributing to the uniqueness of his games.
“Hideo still makes games in a conceptualized way, and they are so huge and thoughtful that I think the only way he knows how to do it is on a grand scale,” Baker commented.
Additionally, Kojima has mentioned that he introduces music from the band Low Roar in his titles to provide players with a greater culture, emphasizing his desire for entertainment to play a deeper role in people’s lives. This blend of art and playable experience aligns with his desire to create games that are not “digestible,” thus taking on the challenge of leaving players with reflections that last beyond mere fun.
On the other hand, the 2026 BAFTA Games Awards will take place on April 17, 2026, in London, reflecting the growing importance of these awards in recognizing achievements in the digital entertainment industry. In an environment where many developers stick to tried-and-true formulas, Kojima continues to be an innovator who will redefine what it means to play and experience stories in the world of video games.
A pre-launch version of the highly anticipated game Death Stranding 2 has been leaked and is circulating on piracy sites, just two days before its official release scheduled for March 19 at 7:30 AM Pacific Time. The leak, which occurred through a flaw in Steam, allowed the game’s files, with a total download size of 113 GB, to be accessible in unencrypted format for an indefinite period, leaving users with the possibility of downloading the complete experience before its official debut. An unfit version for Russians The […]
A pre-launch version of the highly anticipated game Death Stranding 2 has been leaked and is circulating on piracy sites, just two days before its official release scheduled for March 19 at 7:30 AM Pacific Time. The leak, which occurred through a flaw in Steam, allowed the game’s files, with a total download size of 113 GB, to be accessible in unencrypted format for an indefinite period, leaving users with the possibility of downloading the complete experience before its official debut.
A version not suitable for Russians
The piracy portal reveals that the leaked version does not include the voices in Russian, which has sparked comments and discussion among piracy-related forums. This is notable, as Steam allows the use of language packs that could have added these voices without complications. The absence of this aspect could not only limit the user experience but also influence the reception of the title among Russian-speaking players.
It is important to highlight that those who choose to download the pirated version of Death Stranding 2 will be excluded from the online experience that the game offers. This feature allows players to share infrastructures such as roads and bridges, a key component in the gameplay designed by Hideo Kojima and his team at Kojima Productions.
Hideo Kojima, the famous video game creator, has recently shared his appreciation for standalone episodes of the iconic series The X-Files, emphasizing its independent format that allows viewers to enjoy the series without the need for endless marathons. In particular, he has recommended the episode Monday (6×14), which explores a distressing time loop through the story of its protagonist, Pam. Unlike other tales in the genre that often offer redemptive endings, Monday focuses on pain and despair, providing an emotionally devastating experience. Two classic chapters of The X-Files The episode stands out for its unique approach to the […]
Hideo Kojima, the renowned video game creator, has recently shared his appreciation for standalone episodes of the iconic series The X-Files, highlighting its independent format that allows viewers to enjoy the series without the need for endless marathons. In particular, he has recommended the episode Monday (6×14), which explores a distressing time loop through the story of its protagonist, Pam. Unlike other tales in the genre that often offer redemptive endings, Monday focuses on pain and despair, providing an emotionally harrowing experience.
Two classic episodes of The X-Files
The episode stands out for its unique focus on tragedy, unlike classics like Groundhog Day, where the cycle is used as an opportunity for personal growth. Here, there are no second chances; the loop is inevitable and marked by hopelessness. Kojima points out that, in the end, the revelation behind the loop is deeply moving and highlights the anguish of a character trapped in an endless cycle of suffering.
This chapter of The X-Files also highlights the skill of Vince Gilligan, known for his ability to create narratives with significant psychological weight, as seen in his groundbreaking work on Breaking Bad. In Monday, the story is told from the perspective of a woman facing repeated pain, a theme that undoubtedly resonates with viewers. Kojima, in his brief assessment, recalls that Gilligan’s storytelling and his attention to character psychology make this episode a memorable experience.
Kojima and X-Files fans now have an opportunity to rediscover Monday, available on Disney+. This resurgence of standalone episodes reflects a desire among fans for stories that can be enjoyed independently and that, despite the passage of time, continue to resonate emotionally.
Video games have always had a very close relationship with anime. The fact that both industries have strong roots in Japan has a lot to do with it, although it is true that it has not always been a particularly fruitful relationship for video games. The number of not particularly interesting anime based on video games is notable. Although it is also inevitable: it has always been seen as an interesting source, but with little substance to dig into. The same happened with Western cinema and television series, something that has changed over time. This includes anime. For a few years now, […]
The video game has always had a very close relationship with anime. That both industries have strong roots in Japan has a lot to do with it, although it is true that it has not always been a particularly fruitful relationship for video games. The number of not particularly interesting anime based on video games is notable. Although it is also inevitable: it has always been seen as an interesting source, but with little substance to dig into.
But the same was true for Western cinema and television series, something that has changed over time. This includes anime. In recent years, it has become much more common to find good anime adaptations of popular video games, or even those that are not so popular. And the latest example is one of the most important video games from From Software, of which we will soon be able to see the first images: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
'SEKIRO: No Defeat' will receive a Crunchyroll Exclusive Sneak Peak at their SXSW 2026 panel in Austin, Texas this March! pic.twitter.com/9Do7C7rV0s
Despite being one of the studio’s most successful games, From Software has not continued the success of the game. It has not released a sequel, has barely made any spinoffs, and has taken more than five years to continue its story. However, it is going to do so.
Crunchyroll will present the first images of the anime adaptation of the video game, Sekiro: No Defeat, on March 16 at South By Southwest, better known as SXSW. And although they have not wanted to reveal everything yet, we do know some very important aspects. For example, it will tell a completely new story compared to the original video game. Or that it will be entirely hand-drawn, not using any 3D or digital technology for it.
In charge of the anime is a relatively new studio, as its foundation dates back to February 2021, called Qzil.la. With only one anime under its umbrella, the currently airing Champignon no Majo, a pleasant and melancholic fantasy romance about a witch with poisonous skin who will gradually open up to the residents of the nearby city to the forest in which she lives. Available on Crunchyroll and although not taking the world by storm, it is proving that they are capable of making a visually appealing and interesting anime, and at the very least, carrying out a project.
Because let’s be frank. Many times the specific study is less important than the specific people involved, especially since anime is dominated by freelance animators rather than in-house workers. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the other data we know: the proper names of the production.
The director will be Kenichi Kutsuna in his debut in the position, although he has held certain responsible positions in previous animes such as Chi’s Sweet Adventure and Magical Destroyers. The script is by Shuta Hasunuma, director and screenwriter, whose most notable works in this role include the script for the movie Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works and the series The Great Passage.
Shuya Hasunuma is in charge of the music, whose debut in anime will be in March with Hana Rokushō ga Akeru Hi ni, but who is a small celebrity in Japan for his exquisite blend of electronic music with found sounds and field recordings, giving his compositions a fresh and very unique style.
What does that mean? It means that it is possible that it has an interesting and well-structured script, that it is very likely to have one of the most interesting soundtracks of the year —if not one of the best, if Hasunuma is able to translate his music to the needs of the images—, and that the weakest point yet to be seen is in the direction: Kutsuna does not have a great track record and does not have a particularly solid team behind, which raises suspicion that it could be one of those cases where the anime stands out more for the solidity of the exogenous elements than for the image itself.
It is not the only video game anime (upcoming or existing)
Although Sekiro: No Defeat is undoubtedly the release that will make the most headlines in the coming weeks, that doesn’t mean it’s the only video game that will soon make the leap to anime. Because Death Stranding is also about to do so.
Announced for 2026, Death Stranding Mosquito is backed by ABC Animation, one of the most solid studios currently in the anime world. Moreover, the names involved are not exactly people to overlook. Hiroshi Miyamoto has directed several Precure movies, one of the most prestigious and beloved magical girl series in Japan, from which some of the best anime directors of the last decade have emerged. And its screenwriter is Aaron Guzikowski, creator of Raised by Wolves and screenwriter of Prisoners, one of the most reliable screenwriters in Hollywood.
The difference is that it is not a series, it is a movie. And with no release date and no date for when we will know more about it, Death Stranding Mosquito will remain the great unknown of the year. Even if it should be on the radar of any movie enthusiast, whether they are an anime fan or not, due to the involvement of all those involved.
Moreover, video games have increasingly given us better animes. Last year, the adaptations of Gnosia and Nukitashi were a hit among moviegoers and otakus respectively. Before that, the very popular Fate franchise, with animes that always captivate the audience, has continued to have different iterations over the years, all born from a video game: Fate/Stay Night. Even Western licenses, like Cyberpunk, have recently made a splash with animes like the excellent Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
That’s why we need to keep an eye on video game adaptations to anime. Because, as with live-action, the time when they were just a formality to maximize profits has passed. There are reasons to have faith in Sekiro: No Defeat and Death Stranding Mosquito, even if they still have to show us more concrete details about them. Because anime is stronger than ever, at least when it comes to adapting video games.
Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed creator behind iconic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, continues to be a reference in the video game industry, especially for his impactful trailers that have left an indelible mark on fans. His latest project, titled Physint, was announced in January 2024 and has been generating growing anticipation among fans and experts. Recently, it has been rumored that Kojima presented a new trailer to representatives from Sony Interactive Entertainment in a private meeting at the Kojima Productions offices. It seems he continues to prioritize his projects for Sony The collaboration between Kojima […]
Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed creator behind iconic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, continues to be a reference point in the video game industry, especially for his impactful trailers that have left an indelible mark on fans. His latest project, titled Physint, was announced in January 2024 and has been generating growing anticipation among fans and experts. Recently, it has been rumored that Kojima presented a new trailer to representatives of Sony Interactive Entertainment in a private meeting at the Kojima Productions offices.
It seems that he continues to prioritize his projects for Sony
The collaboration between Kojima Productions and PlayStation seems to be in full swing, with regular visits from Sony representatives and the active development of new titles. The recent appearance of nine Sony representatives at Kojima’s headquarters, along with the anticipation of Death Stranding 2, which will now be released for PC, suggests that an exciting revelation could be just around the corner. Kojima’s social media has been buzzing with activity, and with his tendency to surprise, it’s natural for fans to be on high alert.
On the other hand, it is important to note that there has been a clear intention on Kojima’s part to keep his fanbase engaged, especially after the teaser he showed at the Kojima Productions anniversary event in September. Rumors suggest that the trailer he recently showed could be related to the anticipated Physint, which has been described as an action and espionage video game, in the style of the famous Metal Gear.
With every strategic move and every teaser he shares, Kojima demonstrates that his mastery in storytelling and generating intrigue is more alive than ever. Fan expectations are growing, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Kojima’s narrative.
The Death Stranding saga, created by the renowned Japanese director Hideo Kojima, has been known for its complex and convoluted narrative, which has generated various opinions among players and the entertainment community. Mads Mikkelsen, the famous Danish actor who participates in the game, recently shared his own difficulties in understanding the story during an interview with Variety. Mikkelsen describes his experience as surreal and fantastic, noting that, despite not being a regular gamer, he became immersed in the uniqueness of the world that Kojima has designed. Two actors united by misunderstanding During the process […]
The Death Stranding saga, created by the renowned Japanese director Hideo Kojima, has been known for its complex and convoluted narrative, which has generated various opinions among players and the entertainment community. Mads Mikkelsen, the famous Danish actor who participates in the game, recently shared his own difficulties in understanding the story during an interview with Variety. Mikkelsen describes his experience as surreal and fantastic, noting that, despite not being a regular gamer, he found himself immersed in the uniqueness of the world that Kojima has designed.
Two actors united by misunderstanding
During the production process, Mikkelsen and his co-star Norman Reedus faced moments of confusion while listening to Kojima explain the direction of the game. After two hours, we were saying: ‘We don’t get it,’ confessed the actor, reflecting the complexity that many have experienced when delving into the universe of Death Stranding. This intricate plot has not only challenged players but also those directly involved in its creation.
Despite the difficulties in deciphering the narrative, Mikkelsen spares no praise for Kojima, whom he has called the godfather of video games. This designation highlights the impact that the director has had on the entertainment industry, as his innovative approach and narrative style have made a significant difference in how stories are told in video games.
The Death Stranding saga continues to be the subject of analysis and discussion, with its mysteries and deep themes that invite reflection, ensuring it will remain relevant in the realm of video games. Meanwhile, the community eagerly awaits future releases from Kojima and his contributions to this increasingly complex and artistic medium.
