Udo Kier Dead at 81: Legendary Actor's Passing Raises Concerns for Hideo Kojima's "OD" Game

German actor and cult film legend Udo Kier passed away Sunday morning at the age of 81. His partner, artist Delbert McBride, confirmed the news to the media.

Kier was an iconic figure in visual culture, having appeared in over 200 films across European and American cinema. He leaves behind an unfinished project: reports indicate he was slated to star in the horror game "OD," a collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele. His passing now casts uncertainty over the game's future development.

Developed by Kojima Productions and Xbox Game Studios, "OD" announced its cast in 2023, featuring Kier alongside Sophia Lillis ("It") and Hunter Schafer ("Euphoria"). The game aims to explore "the limits of fear" through an immersive experience, with no release date announced yet.

Kier's involvement was initially seen as adding cinematic gravitas to the project. Now, his death raises questions about the filming and recording progress of "OD."

Kier's passing not only brings sorrow to fans but also introduces variables for the highly anticipated "OD." Hideo Kojima paid tribute to Kier, revealing that recording had been delayed due to the actors' union strike, forcing the project's filming to be rescheduled for the following year. If recording plans need to be restarted or roles re-adjusted, it could impact the game's release schedule and content structure.

Kier's illustrious career spanned film, television, and games, with notable performances in both Hollywood and European cinema. His film "The Secret Agent," in which he starred, also garnered attention at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Kier's talent transcended mediums, and "OD" was poised to be a significant milestone in his expansion into the video game realm.



via: Variety