News
Kojima Talks ‘Death Stranding’ at Tribeca
As was announced last month, Hideo Kojima paid a visit to the Tribeca Film Festival yesterday. And as expected, he remained relatively tight-lipped about Death Stranding.
Nevertheless, he (and Norman Reedus) did divulge some interesting tidbits, which were recorded by a user from ResetEra:
- Kojima reiterated that Death Stranding is an open-world action game, while emphasizing that it will bring something new to the genre.
- Using the internet as a metaphor, he said that connection will be a big theme in Death Stranding. The player will be alone—there is solitude—but they will be trying to connect.
- In both the gameplay and story, “connection” will be key. Everyone will be connected. Kojima was visibly enthusiastic about this.
- He couldn’t say much more about the topic, as he didn’t want to conflict with publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment: “I don’t want to be disconnected from Sony.”
- “To connect is the same as disconnecting in a way; is connecting correct? Is it better to disconnect?” He wants players to think about this theme in their own lives and in the world (he mentioned dating and European politics as examples).
- Kojima said it is difficult to tell a story in an open-world game because you have to balance player freedom—freedom of movement—with the plot. You have to go in a certain direction to learn more about the story, but Kojima also wants players to feel like they are making the choice to do so.
- Kojima talked about working with Hollywood actors. While he can create 100 percent of what he wants with mere CG, that limits him to what is in his head. Real actors, on the other hand, can surprise him with added depth. He said he cannot go back to the days before motion capture.
- Norman Reedus, who plays protagonist Sam, said that players will cry when playing the game. You will get emotionally invested.
- Kojima said he wants to create games until he dies.
- We might see more of Death Stranding in a month or so. (Maybe.)
Death Stranding will be a PlayStation 4 exclusive.
News
‘The Blob’ and ‘Dream Warriors’ Filmmaker Chuck Russell Has Passed Away at 74
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.

Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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