Kojima Productions recently unveiled a captivating 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, sparking excitement among fans. The trailer showcases familiar faces like Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, reprising their roles from the original game. However, it's the introduction of Luca Marinelli as a new character, Neil, that's turning heads. Marinelli, an Italian actor known for his role as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, not only brings his talent to the game but also embodies a character that strikingly resembles Hideo Kojima's iconic Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series.
Who is Luca Marinelli playing in Death Stranding 2? ---------------------------------------------------Luca Marinelli lends his voice and likeness to Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. In the trailer, Neil is introduced in an intense interrogation scene, where he's accused of unspecified crimes by a man in a suit. Neil claims he was merely doing the "dirty work" for this man, hinting at a strained working relationship. The scene escalates as Neil is told he has "no choice" but to continue working for him.
The trailer then transitions to a more personal moment, showing Neil conversing with Lucy, a Bridges employee played by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. This interaction suggests a romantic connection between the two and reveals that Neil's job involves smuggling cargo—specifically, brain-dead pregnant women. This plot point ties directly into the lore of the original Death Stranding, where Bridge Babies (BBs) are used to detect Beached Things (BTs) and prevent Voidouts.
Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?
In the original Death Stranding, Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) carries a BB, a seven-month fetus from a brain-dead mother, in a glowing orange flask. These BBs exist in a limbo state, allowing them to communicate with the world of the dead and detect BTs, preventing catastrophic Voidouts. Before the first game, the US Government conducted secret experiments on BBs, which were halted after a disastrous Voidout in Manhattan. However, the smuggling of brain-dead pregnant women in Death Stranding 2 suggests that these experiments continue covertly, with Neil involved in this clandestine operation.
Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?
The trailer concludes with a striking image of Neil tying a bandana around his forehead, a visual homage to Solid Snake. Although Neil is not Solid Snake, the resemblance is intentional. Hideo Kojima previously expressed his admiration for Marinelli, noting that he could be a "spitting image" of Solid Snake if he wore a bandana. This nod to Kojima's past work is a clear reference, even if the universes of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding remain distinct.
How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid
The trailer goes beyond mere visual references, deeply intertwining themes from the Metal Gear series. Neil, like Cliff Unger from the first game, becomes Beached, his soul trapped in the living world. Accompanied by undead warriors, Neil's character evokes the themes of gun culture and weapon proliferation that Kojima explored in Metal Gear. The trailer's narrator even mentions the re-emergence of the United States' gun culture, resonating with Kojima's long-standing critique of arms proliferation.
Additionally, the trailer introduces a bio-robotic giant formed by combining the ship DHV Magellan with a colossal BT, reminiscent of the Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid 5. This creature, while not directly a nuclear weapon like the Metal Gears, can potentially cause Voidouts, linking it thematically to the destructive power of nuclear arms.
The cinematic style of the trailer also harks back to the epic, movie-like presentations of Kojima's past trailers, particularly the Red Band trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5. This approach underscores Kojima's ambition to create a game that not only entertains but also provokes thought and emotion, much like his previous works.
Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?
With Hideo Kojima's departure from Konami, the chances of another Metal Gear Solid game under his direction are slim. Future projects like the remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 will proceed without his involvement. However, the themes and imagery of the series continue to influence Kojima's work, as seen in Death Stranding 2. This sequel not only builds upon the original game's universe but also draws heavily from Kojima's rich history with the Metal Gear franchise, showcasing his ongoing exploration of complex themes like weapon proliferation and human connection.
The trailer for Death Stranding 2 suggests an even grander scope than its predecessor, with diverse environments and a greater emphasis on combat. While it doesn't share the same name, Death Stranding 2 feels closer to a new Metal Gear Solid game than ever before, blending Kojima's signature storytelling with fresh gameplay elements.
