Metal Gear Solid Movie: Everything We Know About the Video Game Adaptation

As much of a gaming juggernaut the Metal Gear franchise is, it’s hard to overlook the IP’s movie roots. Metal Gear Solid was a landmark in the realm of gaming, as it was one of the earliest big titles to put emphasis on cinematic storytelling, which isn’t surprising given Hideo Kojima‘s love for movies. With the franchise now finally heading to the big screen, Sony has tapped the directing duo of Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein to adapt the first 3D entry in the franchise (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Having previously helmed Final Destination: Bloodlines, whose success has made the duo among the busiest directors in the industry, the video game adaptation marks the first project under their first-look deal with Sony, which spans all of the studio’s film labels.

Is There a Release Date for the Metal Gear Solid Movie?

No release date has been disclosed yet, as the film still appears to be in the early stages of production. It’s also worth noting that the directing duo currently has their hands full with several projects, including an animated Venom title for Sony Pictures Animation.

They’re also attached to The Earthling for Columbia Pictures, an original sci-fi epic produced by Eric Heisserer and Scott Glassgold. As such, it’s unclear where the Metal Gear movie currently sits on their list of priorities.

What Is Metal Gear Solid About?

Metal Gear Solid | Credit: Konami

On paper, the plot of the first Metal Gear Solid isn’t exactly groundbreaking, as it revolves around Solid Snake infiltrating enemy bases to stop Metal Gear, a bipedal, nuclear-armed tank. While this makes for a perfect foil for the gameplay to shine, the way it tackled subjects of nuclear proliferation, information, the ethics of AI, and other mature political themes is what truly made it stand out.

Since then, the franchise has only grown richer with each entry, with Metal Gear Solid 4 in particular leaning heavily into cinematic storytelling, including sequences that stretch to near feature-length. While it’s unclear how much the adaptation will borrow from the original game, it’s safe to say the directing duo has a lot of rich material to work with if they do opt to stick closer to the game.

Is Hideo Kojima Involved in the New Metal Gear Solid Movie?

Hideo Kojima | Credits: Youtube/@PlayStation

Unlike the upcoming Death Stranding adaptation, which has Hideo Kojima’s blessing as the prolific storyteller intends to provide his guidance for it, the case with this adaptation gets a bit murky.

As of writing, there have been no reports of Kojima’s involvement, which isn’t surprising following his fallout with Konami during the production of Metal Gear Solid 5. But considering he was heavily involved with past attempts at getting the adaptation going, most prominently when Jordan Vogt-Roberts was attached to the project, it’ll be interesting to see if he dives in to offer some guidance, especially with Sony leading the production.

Will the Adaptation Stay True to the Source Material?

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | Credit: Konami

Arguably, the biggest concern surrounding this adaptation, or most video game and novel adaptations in general, is whether the makers will stay true to the source material. While it’s not unheard of for filmmakers to offer something unique and enticing by bringing their own vision to the forefront of adaptations, more often than not, straying too far away from the source material tends to spell trouble.

In this case, the directing duo, who have proven their knack for delivering a thrilling experience with their big break last year, did acknowledge the impact and brilliance of the world Kojima crafted, adding:

It’ll be interesting to see if their remarks translate into the production, and hopefully, the adaptation proves worthy of the Metal Gear title. For now, however, fans will have to wait until more information from this production comes our way.

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