Kojima Productions unveiled an exciting new 10-minute trailer for *Death Stranding 2* at SXSW over the recent weekend, showcasing a blend of familiar and fresh faces. Among the returning stars, Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux reprise their roles, but the spotlight initially shines on a new character played by the Italian actor Luca Marinelli. Intriguingly, Marinelli's character, Neil, is not just a new addition to the *Death Stranding* universe; he embodies a visual and thematic nod to Kojima's iconic creation, Solid Snake from the *Metal Gear Solid* series.
Who is Luca Marinelli playing in Death Stranding 2? ---------------------------------------------------Luca Marinelli steps into the shoes of Neil in *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*. Known primarily for his work in Italian cinema, Marinelli has also captured international attention with his role as the immortal mercenary Nicky in Netflix's *The Old Guard*. In the trailer, we first encounter Neil in an interrogation room, facing accusations of unspecified crimes from a man in a suit. Neil claims to have been doing the "dirty work" for this individual and attempts to terminate their arrangement, only to be told he "has no choice" but to continue.
The scene transitions to Neil conversing with a Bridges employee named Lucy, played by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. Their dialogue hints at a romantic connection and reveals Neil's dangerous job: smuggling brain-dead pregnant women.
Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?
For those familiar with the original *Death Stranding*, the concept of smuggling brain-dead pregnant women may ring a bell. Norman Reedus's character, Sam Porter Bridges, famously carried a Bridge Baby (BB) in a glowing orange flask. BBs, seven-month fetuses extracted from brain-dead mothers, exist in a state between life and death, enabling them to connect with the world of the dead and detect Beached Things (BTs) — malevolent souls causing destructive Voidouts.
Before the events of the first game, the US Government conducted secret experiments with BBs to understand Voidouts, which can devastate entire cities. Despite a catastrophic experiment in Manhattan that led to the destruction of the city and the death of the President, these experiments continued covertly. Neil's smuggling operations suggest he's involved in supplying these illegal studies, likely for the government.
Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?
The trailer concludes with a striking image of Neil tying a bandana around his forehead, closely resembling Solid Snake. While Neil is not Solid Snake, the visual homage is undeniable and intentional. Hideo Kojima's admiration for Marinelli, sparked by his performances in The Old Guard and Martin Eden, led him to envision Marinelli as a potential Solid Snake. This connection is a playful yet respectful nod to Kojima's legacy with Metal Gear Solid.
How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid
The trailer's references to Metal Gear Solid go beyond Neil's appearance. Neil becomes Beached, similar to Cliff Unger from the first game, and leads a platoon of undead warriors. The narration touches on the resurgence of the United States' gun culture on the "new continent," echoing the Metal Gear series' exploration of weapon proliferation and its impact on humanity.
This thematic link is further emphasized with Neil's potential metaphysical connection to Solid Snake. As a Beached Thing, Neil's soul is trapped in the living world, much like the artistic demise of the *Metal Gear* series. Neil's face morphing into a skull in the trailer symbolizes this connection, suggesting that the essence of Snake lingers in the *Death Stranding* universe.
Another striking reference is the combination of the ship, DHV Magellan, with a colossal BT to form a bio-robotic giant, reminiscent of the Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid 5. This fusion hints at the potential for Voidouts, akin to nuclear threats in Metal Gear. The cinematic style of the trailer itself also mirrors the epic scope of the Metal Gear Solid 5 Red Band trailer, blending gameplay and cutscenes into a grand showcase.
Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?
Following his departure from Konami, Hideo Kojima will not be creating another *Metal Gear Solid* game. Future projects, including the upcoming remake of *Metal Gear Solid 3*, will proceed without his direct involvement. Nonetheless, the influence and themes of the *Metal Gear* series continue to resonate in Kojima's work, as evidenced by the *Death Stranding 2* trailer.
With *Death Stranding 2*, Kojima's ambitions are expanding, introducing diverse environments and an increased focus on combat. While it doesn't bear the *Metal Gear Solid* name, *Death Stranding 2* incorporates visuals, themes, and gameplay elements that feel closer than ever to the spirit of Kojima's most famous series.
