Kojima Casts Snake-alike for Death Stranding 2, Aims to Outdo Mikkelsen

The latest trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has stirred up excitement among fans, especially with the casting of Italian actor Luca Marinelli as Neil, a character whose appearance and mannerisms evoke the iconic Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series. Director Hideo Kojima shared insights into the casting process on X/Twitter, explaining that Neil was intended to fill a significant role akin to Cliff from the original Death Stranding, with the challenge of surpassing the impact of Mads Mikkelsen's performance.

Kojima first noticed Marinelli in the Italian film They Call Me Jeeg and later connected with him through the Japanese distribution of Martin Eden. Marinelli, a long-time fan of Kojima's work, especially the Metal Gear series, reached out directly, expressing his admiration and gratitude for Kojima's interest in his work. This personal connection played a crucial role in Marinelli's casting.

The casting process continued during the height of the global pandemic. After seeing Marinelli in The Old Guard, Kojima extended an offer via email and had further discussions after Marinelli completed filming The Eight Mountains. Marinelli not only accepted the role but also introduced Kojima to his wife, Alissa Jung, who was cast as Lucy in the game.

Kojima praised the performances of both Marinelli and Jung, noting their dedication to the project despite the lack of a complete script at the time of their performance capture. The trailer showcases Neil wearing a bandanna reminiscent of Solid Snake and leading a squad in a style similar to Cliff, highlighting the character's significance and the visual nods to Kojima's past work.

The casting of Marinelli as Neil has been a topic of discussion since 2020, when Kojima first hinted at the actor's potential to embody a character similar to Solid Snake. While Neil is not a direct representation of Snake, the visual and thematic connections to the Metal Gear series are undeniable, adding layers of intrigue and nostalgia to Death Stranding 2.

For those eager to learn more about this new 'Solid Snake' and the game's connections to Kojima's legacy, IGN's feature provides a deep dive into these topics. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is scheduled for release on June 26, 2025, and will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5.

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