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

Kojima Productions unveiled a captivating 10-minute trailer for *Death Stranding 2* at SXSW, showcasing both familiar and fresh faces. Alongside returning stars Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, the trailer introduces us to Luca Marinelli, an Italian actor poised to make a significant impact in the *Death Stranding* universe. Marinelli not only steps into the shoes of a new character named Neil but also draws comparisons to Hideo Kojima’s iconic Solid Snake from the *Metal Gear Solid* series.

Luca Marinelli lends his voice and likeness to the character Neil in *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*. Known primarily for his roles in Italian cinema, Marinelli gained international recognition as the immortal mercenary Nicky in Netflix's *The Old Guard*. In the trailer, Neil is initially seen in an interrogation room, accused of unspecified crimes by a man in a suit. Neil claims he was merely doing the "dirty work" for this man and seeks to end their arrangement, only to be told he has "no choice" but to continue.

The scene shifts to Neil conversing with a Bridges employee named Lucy, portrayed by Marinelli's real-life wife, actress Alissa Jung. Their dialogue hints at a romantic connection and reveals Neil's job involves smuggling cargo—specifically, brain-dead pregnant women.

Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?

In the original *Death Stranding*, Norman Reedus's character, Sam Porter Bridges, carries a glowing orange flask containing a Bridge Baby (BB), a seven-month fetus from a brain-dead mother. This setup allows BBs to communicate with the world of the dead, aiding in detecting Beached Things (BTs), malevolent souls that can cause catastrophic Voidouts. Before the first game's events, the US Government conducted secret experiments with BBs to understand Voidouts, which were halted after a disastrous experiment in Manhattan. Neil's smuggling of brain-dead pregnant women suggests these experiments continue covertly, likely for the US Government's illegal research.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

Image credit: Kojima Productions

The trailer concludes with Neil tying a bandana around his forehead, strikingly reminiscent of Solid Snake from Kojima's *Metal Gear Solid* series. While Neil is not Solid Snake, the visual homage is intentional. Hideo Kojima has previously expressed admiration for Marinelli, suggesting that with a bandana, he could resemble Solid Snake. This nod to *Metal Gear Solid* is a clear reference to Kojima's past work, though the universes remain distinct.

How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid

Neil and his undead troops. Image credit: Kojima Productions

The trailer for *Death Stranding 2* is rich with *Metal Gear* references, extending beyond Neil's appearance. Neil becomes Beached, his soul trapped in the living world, similar to Cliff Unger from the first game. Accompanied by undead warriors, Neil's portrayal evokes themes of gun culture and weapon proliferation, central to the *Metal Gear* series. The trailer also features a bio-robotic giant formed by combining the ship DHV Magellan with a colossal BT, reminiscent of the Sahalanthropus from *Metal Gear Solid 5*. These elements underscore Kojima's ongoing exploration of themes like nuclear weapon proliferation and the impact of arms on humanity.

A Metal Gear-like creature in Death Stranding 2. Image credit: Kojima Production

The cinematic quality of the *Death Stranding 2* trailer mirrors that of the *Metal Gear Solid 5* Red Band trailer, showcasing characters as movie stars and blending gameplay with cutscenes. While a new *Metal Gear Solid* game from Kojima seems unlikely due to his departure from Konami, *Death Stranding 2* clearly draws inspiration from his previous work, expanding on the original game's scope with diverse environments and a greater focus on combat.

Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?

It's evident that Hideo Kojima will not be creating another *Metal Gear Solid* game, as he has parted ways with Konami. However, the themes and imagery from the series continue to influence his work. *Death Stranding 2* represents a new chapter that, while not a *Metal Gear Solid* game, resonates deeply with the spirit of Kojima's earlier creations, promising an ambitious and expansive experience.