OD Game Delay Confirmed as Kojima Mourns Loss of Star Actor Udo Kier

The highly anticipated game OD from Hideo Kojima faces a significant delay. This news comes following the sudden passing of its iconic star, German actor Udo Kier. Kojima Productions confirmed the project’s reshoot schedule is now set for 2026.

The delay was indirectly revealed through a heartfelt online tribute from director Hideo Kojima. He shared his deep personal sorrow over the loss of his friend and collaborator. This development adds a new layer of uncertainty to the mysterious horror project.

Kojima’s Heartfelt Tribute Reveals Production Timeline

Hideo Kojima posted a moving statement on social media. He expressed being “at a loss for words” after news of Kier’s passing. Kojima explained that the recent Hollywood strikes had already forced a production halt.

The director noted that filming was rescheduled for next year. He and Kier frequently exchanged emails during the delay. Their last meeting was in Milan at the end of September. According to Kojima, Kier was full of energy and excited to begin work in 2026.

Kojima praised Kier as a true “icon of his time.” This loss is a major blow to the game’s development. The actor’s unique presence was considered integral to the project’s vision.

Navigating the Future of the Mysterious Horror Project

The confirmation of a 2026 production start pushes a potential release date further into the future. This gives Kojima Productions a complex challenge. They must now decide how to handle Kier’s pivotal, yet unrecorded, role.

Industry analysts suggest the team has several options. They could recast the role, a difficult task given Kier’s distinct persona. Alternatively, they might use existing facial scans and voice models if they were completed pre-strike. This approach would honor the actor’s initial involvement.

The situation underscores the fragility of game development. Even major projects from celebrated creators can be disrupted by unforeseen events. Fans will have to wait longer to see how this chapter in the game’s development unfolds.

The confirmed OD game delay underscores the project’s challenging development path and the irreplaceable nature of a unique acting talent.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the game OD about?

OD is a collaborative horror project from Hideo Kojima and filmmaker Jordan Peele. It is described as an exploration of fear and testing the thresholds of terror. Specific gameplay mechanics remain largely under wraps.

Who was Udo Kier?

Udo Kier was a legendary German actor with over 220 film credits. He was known for his iconic roles in cult and horror cinema. His distinct voice and screen presence made him a unique and celebrated figure.

When will OD be released?

There is no official release date for OD. Following the recent news, production on the game is not scheduled to begin until 2026. A release is likely several years away.

Who else is starring in OD?

The announced cast includes Sophia Lillis and Hunter Schafer. They were featured alongside Udo Kier in the game’s first teaser trailer. No new casting announcements have been made recently.

Why was OD delayed before this?

The project was previously halted due to the 2023 Hollywood actors’ strike. This industry-wide action prevented SAG-AFTRA members, including the cast, from working on the game. The schedule was then moved to 2026.