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

Kojima Productions recently unveiled an exciting 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, showcasing both familiar and new faces. While the trailer features the return of stars like Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, it introduces Italian actor Luca Marinelli in a pivotal role. Marinelli, known to international audiences for his role as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, steps into the shoes of a character named Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. This new addition to the Death Stranding universe not only brings fresh energy but also draws intriguing parallels to Hideo Kojima's past work, hinting at a deeper connection to his iconic Metal Gear Solid series.

Luca Marinelli takes on the role of Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. In the trailer, Neil is initially seen in an interrogation room, facing accusations from a mysterious man in a suit. Neil claims he was merely doing the "dirty work" assigned to him, suggesting a forced collaboration. The tension escalates when the man in the suit asserts Neil's obligation to continue working for him. Later, Neil is shown interacting with Lucy, a Bridges employee portrayed by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. Their conversation not only hints at a romantic relationship but also reveals Neil's involvement in smuggling brain-dead pregnant women, a crucial element to the game's narrative.

Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?

In the original Death Stranding, Norman Reedus's character, Sam Porter Bridges, carries a Bridge Baby (BB) in a glowing orange flask. These BBs, extracted from brain-dead mothers, exist in a liminal state between life and death, enabling communication with the afterlife to detect Beached Things (BTs). These BTs, malevolent entities from the dead, can cause catastrophic Voidouts. The U.S. government's covert experiments with BBs, despite being officially discontinued after a devastating Voidout in Manhattan, continue illegally, explaining Neil's role in smuggling these women to sustain the research.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

Image credit: Kojima Productions

The trailer concludes with Neil donning a bandana, visually reminiscent of Solid Snake from Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. While Neil is not Solid Snake, this homage is intentional, as Hideo Kojima has expressed his admiration for Marinelli and even suggested that he could resemble Solid Snake with a bandana. This visual cue is a nod to fans, acknowledging the connection between Kojima's past and current works, 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 doesn't just pay homage to Metal Gear Solid through Neil's appearance; it also explores themes central to Kojima's earlier works. Neil's transformation into a Beached entity, accompanied by undead soldiers, mirrors the experiences of Cliff Unger in the first game. The narrative touches on gun culture and the proliferation of weapons, echoing the anti-armament stance of the Metal Gear series. Furthermore, the trailer suggests a metaphysical link between Neil and Solid Snake, hinting that Neil might embody the lingering spirit of Snake in the Death Stranding universe.

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

Beyond Neil, the trailer features another significant reference to Metal Gear Solid with Heartman's creation of a bio-robotic giant from the DHV Magellan and a BT, reminiscent of the Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid 5. The cinematic quality of the trailer, similar to the Red Band trailer for MGS 5, showcases Kojima's flair for blending gameplay and cutscenes into a grand cinematic experience.

Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?

With Kojima's departure from Konami, it's highly unlikely that he will return to the Metal Gear Solid series. However, the themes and visual elements of Metal Gear clearly influence his work on Death Stranding 2. While the game does not bear the Metal Gear name, it incorporates elements that resonate deeply with fans of Kojima's earlier works. The trailer suggests Death Stranding 2 will expand the universe with diverse environments and a greater emphasis on combat, drawing it even closer to the spirit of Metal Gear Solid.