Qualley Joins Kojima's Death Stranding Post-Ad

Hideo Kojima disclosed that he cast Margaret Qualley as Mama in Death Stranding after watching her performance in a Spike Jonze-directed fragrance advertisement.

On April 25, Kojima shared the viral commercial on social media, stating: "I saw this and immediately knew she was perfect for the role of Mama (Lockne) in Death Stranding."

The advertisement features Qualley dancing energetically to an electronic track, reminiscent of Christopher Walken's iconic dance sequence in Fat Boy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" music video.

In Kojima Productions' Death Stranding, Qualley portrays Bridges scientist Mama — also known as Målingen — one of the most brilliant inventors in the United Cities of America. Alongside her twin sister Lockne (also played by Qualley), she developed the revolutionary Chiral Network, Bridges' instantaneous communication system.

The Kenzo fragrance ad showcases Qualley performing an avant-garde dance routine filled with jerky movements, facial distortions, and even simulated finger lasers. At one point, she appears to wrestle with her own limbs mid-dance. Watch the full mesmerizing performance below:

I saw this and offered her the role of Mama (Lockne) in Death Stranding. https://t.co/UDJa2NjbO6

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) April 25, 2025

Fans quickly responded to Kojima's revelation, with one writing: "Your creative vision never fails to impress, Kojima-san," while another joked: "I dance like this every morning — when's my casting call?"

Kojima is currently developing multiple projects, including Death Stranding 2 (releasing June 26, 2025), the A24-produced Death Stranding film adaptation, and Xbox's OD — a passion project he describes as "the game I've always dreamed of creating." Additionally, he's working on an undisclosed PlayStation-exclusive action espionage title.