It’s not just you – even the people working with Hideo Kojima aren’t quite sure what to make of what’s going on inside the famed director’s brain, including Death Strananding and The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus. Reedus, who plays main man Sam Porter Bridges, was pretty outspoken about how confused he was with what the heck was happening in the original Death Strananding. Bridge Babies, antagonistic spirits made out of black sludge, and a million other things in the open-world game are difficult enough to parse no matter how long you sit with them, but the passage of time hasn’t helped Reedus understand the way Kojima works either. "As far as working with him [Hideo Kojima] and understanding where his head’s at, I don’t think anybody can understand where his head’s at – he’s just that guy, he’s out there, and he’s got great ideas," Reedus said in an interview with IGN. While the inner workings of Kojima’s mind remain enigmatic, Reedus admitted that he actually did have a more solid grasp on the sequel’s globe-trotting narrative. "Story-wise, I did know what was happening more. There’s more action in it. There’s more of a definite goal to get to. It’s always a trip working on those things. It’s great, but it’s wild."

Elsewhere, the actor was also asked about whether he’d want to slip into Sam’s boots in live action in the upcoming A24 film, since the in-game character model already looks exactly like Reedus. "If it was an option, yeah, for sure," he said, although right now, "I don’t know what’s happening with it."

Hideo Kojima once considered he might only "have 10 years" left to create new things, and he’s given his assistant "a USB stick with all my ideas" as a kind of "will". Kojima’s notoriously unconventional approach to game development, blending elements of horror, science fiction, and philosophical themes, has consistently baffled audiences and collaborators alike. The director’s penchant for elaborate narratives, cryptic symbolism, and unexpected twists contributes to the unique and often challenging experience of his games. Reedus’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the industry – a recognition of Kojima’s singular vision and the difficulty in fully comprehending the reasoning behind his creative choices. This enigmatic quality is a core part of what makes Kojima’s work so compelling, and it’s clear that his process remains largely a mystery even to those who work closely with him.

The legacy of Death Strananding, and indeed all of Kojima’s projects, is a testament to his willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventional game design. Ultimately, understanding Kojima’s intentions is often less important than appreciating the impact of his ideas. The director's commitment to innovation and artistic expression continues to inspire and provoke discussion within the gaming community, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and unpredictable figures in the industry. Reedus’s acknowledgement of this complexity underscores the extraordinary nature of Kojima’s creative output, highlighting the director’s consistent ability to generate both fascination and confusion. His work serves as a reminder that great art doesn’t always need to be easily understood, and that embracing the unknown can be just as rewarding as deciphering a clear narrative."