Hideo Kojima Wants to Die Before a Movie Starts, Not During

Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding series, has shared a deeply personal and somewhat unconventional wish for his final moments: to pass away in a movie theater, precisely as a film is about to commence.

Speaking at a film festival in Rome, the 62-year-old game director, a self-proclaimed cinephile who famously states that 70% of his body is made of movies, elaborated on this peculiar desire. He finds the moments before a film begins to be the most potent – the dimming lights, the swell of trailers, and the palpable anticipation of the narrative about to unfold. It's this specific slice of cinematic time, pregnant with possibility and just before the main event, where he envisions his own end.

“I’ve always thought that when I die, I would like to die in a movie theater. I love the bit before the movie starts the most. Enter the movie theater, the lights go off and commercials and trailers play, yeah? I’d like to die just before the movie starts.” — Hideo Kojima

This isn't the first time Kojima has contemplated his mortality and legacy. In the past, he’s spoken about leaving behind a USB stick filled with game ideas for his staff to develop after his passing. This recent declaration, delivered with a characteristic blend of seriousness and a knowing smile, underscores his unique perspective on life, death, and the art forms that have shaped him. The pandemic profoundly impacted his outlook, as he revealed a serious illness and an eye operation made him confront his own aging and creative limitations more directly than turning 60.

A Creator's Enduring Drive

For fans who follow Kojima's every move, these reflections are more than just morbid curiosities; they are windows into the soul of an artist who lives and breathes his craft. His desire to die while making something, as he’s stated in other interviews, is a testament to his unwavering dedication. This sentiment resonates deeply with a fanbase that eagerly awaits his next project, understanding that his creative drive is intrinsically linked to his very existence. The thought of him being unable to create, especially after his health scare, adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to his public statements.

What's Next for Kojima Productions

While Kojima contemplates his final curtain call, his studio, Kojima Productions, remains active. As of 2026, he is still deeply involved in game development, with fans eagerly anticipating future projects that are sure to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling, much like his previous acclaimed works. Details on his next game are scarce, but his continued passion ensures that whatever comes next will carry his distinctive auteur signature.