Kojima Unveils New 'Solid Snake' in Death Stranding 2, Echoing Metal Gear Solid

Kojima Productions recently unveiled a captivating 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, showcasing both familiar and new faces. Among the newcomers is Luca Marinelli, who not only introduces a fresh character to the Death Stranding universe but also draws striking comparisons to Hideo Kojima's iconic character, Solid Snake.

Luca Marinelli, an acclaimed Italian actor known for his role as the immortal mercenary Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, steps into the role of Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. In the trailer, Neil's story unfolds in an intense interrogation scene where he's accused of unspecified crimes. He claims to have been doing "dirty work" for a mysterious man in a suit, who insists that Neil has no choice but to continue. The narrative shifts to a more personal interaction with Lucy, a Bridges employee portrayed by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung, hinting at their romantic involvement. It's revealed that Neil's job involves smuggling cargo—specifically, brain-dead pregnant women.

Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?

This element ties back to the original Death Stranding's lore, where Norman Reedus' character, Sam Porter Bridges, carries a Bridge Baby (BB) in a glowing orange flask. BBs, fetuses extracted from brain-dead mothers, exist in a state between life and death, enabling them to sense Beached Things (BTs)—malevolent entities that can cause devastating Voidouts. The US Government's covert experiments with BBs, discontinued after a catastrophic Voidout in Manhattan, continue in secret, which is why Neil is involved in this smuggling operation.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

Image credit: Kojima Productions

The trailer concludes with Neil tying a bandana around his forehead, visually echoing Solid Snake from Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. While Neil is not Solid Snake, the resemblance is deliberate. In 2020, Kojima expressed interest in Marinelli, noting his potential to resemble Solid Snake if he wore a bandana. This homage is a nod to Kojima's beloved creation, though the universes of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding remain distinct.

How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid

Neil and his undead troops. Image credit: Kojima Productions

Beyond the visual homage, the trailer for Death Stranding 2 evokes the thematic essence of Metal Gear Solid. Neil, like Cliff Unger from the first game, becomes Beached, commanding a platoon of undead warriors. The narrative touches on the resurgence of gun culture in the "new continent," echoing Kojima's recurring theme of weapon proliferation and its destabilizing effects on humanity. This is a core element of the Metal Gear series, often explored through non-lethal gameplay options.

Artistically, Neil might represent a metaphysical version of Solid Snake, his soul metaphorically trapped in the Death Stranding world. This concept is further emphasized by Neil's face briefly morphing into a skull, symbolizing death and rebirth.

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

Another nod to Metal Gear is seen when Heartman merges the DHV Magellan with a colossal BT, creating a bio-robotic giant reminiscent of Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid 5. This fusion, while not directly linked to nuclear weapons, carries the potential for destruction through Voidouts.

The cinematic quality of the Death Stranding 2 trailer mirrors the epic scope of the Metal Gear Solid 5 Red Band trailer, blending gameplay and cutscenes to showcase Kojima's vision in a grand, movie-like fashion.

Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?

It's evident that Hideo Kojima will not be returning to the Metal Gear Solid franchise, having parted ways with Konami. Future MGS projects, such as the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, will proceed without his involvement. However, Kojima's creative spirit continues to draw from his past work, infusing Death Stranding 2 with themes and imagery from Metal Gear Solid. The sequel promises even larger ambitions, with diverse environments and a stronger focus on combat, bringing it closer in spirit to a Metal Gear Solid game than ever before.