Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” has been earning rave reviews across the board from film critics and audiences, but perhaps no reaction is bigger than the one shared by “Death Stranding” creator Hideo Kojima. The video game master wrote to this 3.7 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) that “Dune: Part Two” is such monumental cinema that it is singlehandedly acting as a “resistance” to the dominance of streaming platforms.
“Even as a movie buff, I was beginning to think it was time for me to start watching movies on my smartphone or tablet,” Kojima admitted. “However, when I watched ‘Dune: Part Two’ my rigid ways of thinking crumbled like sand! It meticulously depicts the non-existent world of Arrakis, bringing it to life with unprecedented detail and realism.”
“While portraying revolution and love, fear and awe on the same axis, it magnificently captivates destruction and aestheticism in beautiful layers,” he continued. “This film shouts, ‘This is cinema!’ and provides the ‘spice’ that we need to live. This masterpiece of Denis will likely become a ‘resistance’ that will significantly delay the spread of subscription services.”
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With its $82 million opening at the domestic box office and $182 million worldwide launch, “Dune: Part Two” has certainly reinvigorated interest in the theatrical experience after a dismal start to the year. The sequel’s global debut was the highest-grossing start for a movie since “Barbie” last summer.
Kojima is surely hoping his jump to the movies proves just as cinematic as “Dune: Part Two.” A24 announced last year it’s teaming with Kojima Productions to develop a live-action film adaptation of “Death Stranding,” which has sold over five million copies and has a reputation as one of the best video games of the 21st century.
“A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other,” Kojima said in a statement at the time. “The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative. I have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. Their innovative approach to storytelling aligns with what Kojima Productions has been doing for the last 8 years. Now, we are making a ‘Death Stranding’ movie together.”
“There are a lot of ‘game adaptation films’ out there but what we are creating is not just a direct translation of the game,” the video game creator added. “The intention is that our audience will not only be fans of the games, but our film will be for anyone who loves cinema. We are creating a ‘Death Stranding’ universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born.”
Kojima is currently developing a second “Death Stranding” video game. “Dune: Part Two,” meanwhile, is playing in theaters nationwide from Warner Bros.
