Death Stranding the video game was originally released in 2019 and has captivated over 20 million players worldwide, blending cinematic ambition, metaphysical mystery, and emotional connection. The sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach recently launched exclusively on PS5 on June 26th, 2025.
Announced in front of a packed auditorium at the Disney+ Originals Preview at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, executive producer of the series’ Hideo Kojima, and the series’ director Takayuki Sano, appeared on stage to announce that their first ever partnership with a global streaming platform will be with Disney+ and that the latest expansion of the DEATH STRANDING franchise will be an animated series. New concept art created by Ilya Kuvshinov, who served as character designer for “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045”, was also revealed along with the Death Stranding Isolations (Working Title) announcement.
Set in the world of Death Stranding, Death Stranding Isolations (Working Title) will tell a completely new story, separate from that of the video games. The upcoming series will follow a young man and woman as they set out on an adventure. Told through a traditional, hand-drawn 2D animation style, some of Japan’s top animation talent at E&H production are currently working to bring the series to life.
Once, there was an explosion...
Lonesome souls of the dead manifest in the physical world, reaching in search of the living. However, the connection they create triggers a massive explosion that eradicates anything of this world—a phenomenon referred to as the Death Stranding. These events wipe out nations as well as civilization itself. People who remain are now isolated, withdrawn, and without connections. As humanity stands at the brink a legendary porter set out to transport both cargo and wishes of its senders, reconnecting people in the hope that they might still be saved.
Based on the video game born out of the mind of legendary game creator, Hideo Kojima, comes a new animation series headed by Japan’s up-and-coming animation studio E&H production. Helmed by E&H’s Takayuki Sano, it follows in the footsteps of the original in spirit and ideas and depict the world of Death Stranding through a bold and yet subtle touch and top-class hand-drawn animation.
Somewhere in North America, just as Sam Bridges walks through the continent in order to save America, the someones are also trying to deal with their isolation in their own way. An old man trying to realize salvation through ways outside of the connection advocated by Bridges. A female warrior who tries to kickstart a world of constant fighting. A boy with a grudge against Bridges. A girl who embraces loneliness.
On the precipice of the end of humanity and the world, their fates and hopes converge, as another story of Death Stranding begins.
And now, comes another explosion...
STAFF
- Executive Producer: Hideo Kojima
- Director: Takayuki Sano
- Original Character Design: Ilya Kuvshinov
- Animation Production: E&H production
Held on November 13 at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the 2025 Disney+ Originals Preview showcased the creative momentum of The Walt Disney Company, giving all in attendance an unprecedented glimpse at some of the Japanese, Korean and Global series set to debut on Disney+ through 2026 and beyond. Featuring guest appearances by some of the biggest creative names in the world of entertainment from Hollywood, Korea and Japan, the event underscored the Company’s deepening commitment to bold, award-winning storytelling on Disney+.