Kojima Unveils New 'Solid Snake': Death Stranding 2 Nears Metal Gear Solid Experience

Kojima Productions unveiled an exciting 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, showcasing both familiar and new faces. Among the returning stars are Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux, who reprise their iconic roles. However, the trailer introduces a compelling new character, Luca Marinelli, who steps into the spotlight as Neil. This character not only brings a fresh dynamic to the game but also draws striking parallels to Kojima's legendary creation, Solid Snake.

Who is Luca Marinelli playing in Death Stranding 2?

Luca Marinelli, an acclaimed Italian actor known for his roles in Italian cinema and as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, lends his voice and likeness to the character Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The trailer opens with Neil in an interrogation room, facing accusations from a man in a suit. Neil insists he was merely doing the "dirty work" assigned to him, hinting at a strained working relationship. The man in the suit forcefully insists that Neil has "no choice" but to continue his tasks.

The narrative shifts to a conversation between Neil and Lucy, a Bridges employee played by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. This dialogue not only suggests a romantic connection but also reveals Neil's involvement in smuggling cargo—specifically, brain-dead pregnant women. This revelation ties back to the lore of Death Stranding, where such women are used to create Bridge Babies (BBs) that can detect Beached Things (BTs) and help prevent catastrophic Voidouts.

Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?

In the original Death Stranding, one of the most memorable images is of Sam Porter Bridges carrying a BB in a glowing orange flask. These BBs, extracted from brain-dead mothers, exist in a state between life and death, enabling them to interact with the world of the dead and sense BTs. The U.S. Government had previously conducted experiments on BBs to understand Voidouts, but after a disastrous experiment in Manhattan, these studies were officially discontinued. However, as seen in the trailer, Neil's smuggling activities suggest that these experiments continue in secret, likely sanctioned by the government to further their research on BTs and Voidouts.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

The trailer concludes with a striking image of Neil donning a bandana, closely resembling Solid Snake from Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. While Neil is not Solid Snake, the visual nod is intentional. Hideo Kojima has expressed admiration for Marinelli and even mentioned that with a bandana, Marinelli could resemble Solid Snake. This homage underscores the deep connection Kojima maintains with his previous work, even as he explores new narratives.

How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid

Beyond Neil's appearance, the trailer is rife with references to Metal Gear Solid. Neil's transformation into a Beached Thing mirrors the fate of Cliff Unger in the first game, suggesting a deeper thematic connection to the concept of souls trapped between worlds. The trailer also touches on the resurgence of gun culture in a "new continent," echoing Kojima's long-standing critique of weapons proliferation and nuclear armament, a central theme in the Metal Gear series.

Another notable reference is Heartman's creation of a bio-robotic giant by combining the DHV Magellan with a colossal BT, reminiscent of the Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid 5. The cinematic style of the trailer itself also harkens back to the epic Red Band trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5, showcasing Kojima's flair for blending gameplay with cinematic storytelling.

Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?

Despite fans' hopes, Hideo Kojima will not be returning to the Metal Gear Solid series following his departure from Konami. Future MGS projects, such as the upcoming remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, will proceed without his involvement. However, Death Stranding 2 serves as a testament to Kojima's enduring influence, drawing heavily from his past work while pushing the boundaries of his new universe. The sequel promises larger, more diverse environments and a heightened focus on combat, inching closer to the feel of a Metal Gear Solid game, albeit under a different name.