Who Is Kojima’s New ‘Solid Snake’ and Why Death Stranding 2 Looks Like the Closest We’ll Ever Get to Another Metal Gear Solid

Kojima Productions unveiled a captivating 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, introducing familiar faces like Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux alongside a newcomer: Luca Marinelli. Marinelli's character, however, is more than just a new addition; his presence hints at a significant connection to Kojima's iconic past.

Who is Luca Marinelli Playing in Death Stranding 2?

Marinelli portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, lending both his voice and likeness. While predominantly known for Italian-language films, English-speaking audiences may recognize him as Nicky from Netflix's The Old Guard. The trailer shows Neil in an interrogation, seemingly attempting to sever ties with a mysterious figure in a suit, revealing he's been involved in smuggling—specifically, brain-dead pregnant women. A later scene hints at a romantic relationship with a Bridges employee named Lucy (played by Marinelli's wife, Alissa Jung).

Wait, Brain-Dead Pregnant Women?

This recalls the Bridge Babies (BBs) from the first game—seven-month fetuses from brain-dead mothers, used to detect Beached Things (BTs). The US government's past experimentation with BBs led to a devastating Voidout in Manhattan. Neil's smuggling operation suggests the clandestine continuation of this dangerous research.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

The trailer's final shot of Neil with a bandana bears a striking resemblance to Solid Snake. While Neil isn't explicitly Snake, the visual similarity is intentional. A 2020 Instagram post by Hideo Kojima revealed his admiration for Marinelli, even suggesting he'd look like Snake with a bandana—a prediction fulfilled in the trailer. The universes remain separate, yet the reference is undeniable.

How Death Stranding 2 Connects to Metal Gear Solid

The connection goes beyond a simple homage. The trailer heavily evokes Metal Gear's themes and imagery. Neil's eventual Beached state, mirroring Cliff Unger's fate in the first game, sees him leading undead soldiers. The narrator mentions the resurgence of US gun culture, echoing Metal Gear's exploration of weapon proliferation and its destabilizing effect on humanity. Neil's appearance could even be interpreted as a metaphysical manifestation of Snake's soul, trapped within the Death Stranding universe.

Further reinforcing the connection, Heartman appears to combine the DHV Magellan with a colossal BT, creating a bio-robotic giant reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid 5's Sahelanthropus. The trailer's cinematic style, mirroring the Red Band trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5, also emphasizes the link.

Will There Be Another Kojima Metal Gear Solid Game?

The likelihood of another Kojima-directed Metal Gear Solid game is slim, given his departure from Konami. However, Death Stranding 2, with its expanded environments, increased emphasis on combat, and clear thematic and visual references to Metal Gear, feels like a spiritual successor, carrying the torch of Kojima's signature style and concerns.