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

Kojima Productions unveiled an exciting 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, captivating audiences with both returning and new characters. Among the familiar faces of Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, a fresh addition, Luca Marinelli, caught everyone's attention. Marinelli not only steps into the world of Death Stranding but is poised to become Hideo Kojima's new iconic figure, reminiscent of Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series.

Luca Marinelli, an acclaimed Italian actor known for his roles in Italian films and as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, takes on the role of Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. In the trailer, Neil's introduction is compelling, starting in an interrogation room where he's accused of mysterious crimes. He claims to have been doing "dirty work" for a man in a suit, who insists Neil has no choice but to continue their arrangement.

The narrative shifts to Neil conversing with Lucy, a Bridges employee portrayed by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. This interaction suggests a romantic connection and reveals that Neil is involved in smuggling brain-dead pregnant women, a task linked to the man in the suit.

Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?

The concept of brain-dead pregnant women harks back to the iconic imagery from the first Death Stranding, where Norman Reedus's character, Sam Porter Bridges, carries a Bridge Baby (BB). These BBs, extracted from brain-dead mothers, exist in a liminal state, facilitating communication with the world of the dead to detect Beached Things (BTs), malevolent entities causing Voidouts—destructive events akin to nuclear explosions.

Before the events of the first game, the US Government conducted secret experiments with BBs to understand and control Voidouts. Despite official discontinuation following a catastrophic Voidout in Manhattan, these experiments continued covertly, explaining Neil's role in smuggling the brain-dead pregnant women, likely for continued government 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, this visual nod is intentional. Hideo Kojima's 2020 Instagram post praised Marinelli's resemblance to Solid Snake, suggesting a deliberate homage rather than a literal inclusion of the character. The universes remain separate, yet the connection is unmistakable.

How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid

Neil and his undead troops. Image credit: Kojima Productions

The trailer not only pays homage to Metal Gear through Neil's appearance but also through thematic parallels. Neil's transformation into a Beached Thing, accompanied by undead warriors, mirrors the themes of gun culture and the proliferation of weapons explored in Metal Gear. Kojima's work often critiques the destabilizing effect of arms on humanity, a theme echoed in Death Stranding 2 through Neil's narrative.

Additionally, the trailer features a scene where Heartman combines a ship with a colossal BT to form a bio-robotic giant, reminiscent of the Metal Gear machines from Metal Gear Solid 5. This connection underscores Kojima's ongoing exploration of nuclear weapon proliferation and its consequences.

The cinematic quality of the Death Stranding 2 trailer also recalls the epic scope of the Metal Gear Solid 5 Red Band trailer, showcasing characters with the grandeur of movie stars and blending gameplay with cutscenes to create a compelling narrative showcase.

Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?

It's clear that Hideo Kojima will not be returning to the Metal Gear Solid series after his departure from Konami. Future projects like the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake will proceed without his involvement. However, the themes and imagery of Metal Gear remain influential in Kojima's work, as evidenced by Death Stranding 2.

With its expansive environments, increased focus on combat, and deep thematic connections to Metal Gear, Death Stranding 2 represents Kojima's continued ambition to evolve and expand the storytelling and gameplay mechanics that have defined his career. While not a Metal Gear Solid game by name, it embodies the spirit and innovation of Kojima's legendary series.