Kojima's Persuasive Pitch to Norman Reedus

Hideo Kojima reveals how Norman Reedus quickly signed on for Death Stranding. Despite the game being in its early stages of development, Reedus readily agreed to join the project after a simple pitch at a sushi restaurant. This happened shortly after Kojima Productions became independent, leaving Kojima with "nothing" to show but his vision.

The unique post-apocalyptic world of Death Stranding, featuring Reedus as protagonist Sam Porter Bridges, proved surprisingly successful. Reedus' performance, alongside other Hollywood actors, contributed significantly to the game's popularity and sustained conversation following its release. His involvement, secured so easily, was pivotal to the game's eventual success.

Kojima's account suggests Reedus' commitment happened swiftly, within a month of the pitch, resulting in performance capture for a trailer. While Kojima doesn't specify which trailer, it's highly probable some of this footage appeared in the acclaimed 2016 E3 teaser trailer, marking Kojima Productions' debut as an independent studio. This collaboration stemmed from their prior connection during the cancelled Silent Hills project, showcasing the enduring impact of that brief but impactful collaboration.