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 a new face alongside familiar ones like Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux. This newcomer, Luca Marinelli, plays Neil, and his presence hints at a significant connection to Kojima's past work.

Who is Luca Marinelli Playing in Death Stranding 2?

Marinelli portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Known for roles in Italian films and as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, he brings his talents to this mysterious character. The trailer shows Neil in an interrogation, seemingly caught in a dangerous game of smuggling—brain-dead pregnant women, to be precise. His relationship with a Bridges employee, Lucy (played by his real-life wife, Alissa Jung), adds another layer to his complex situation.

Wait, Brain-Dead Pregnant Women?

This ties directly into the original Death Stranding's concept of Bridge Babies (BBs)—fetuses extracted from brain-dead mothers, used to detect malevolent entities called BTs. The government's past experimentation with BBs, culminating in a devastating Voidout in Manhattan, is hinted at as a possible reason for Neil's actions. He appears to be continuing this illicit research under the government's direction.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

While Neil isn't Solid Snake, the striking visual similarity, particularly when Neil ties a bandana around his head, is intentional. Kojima himself previously commented on Marinelli's resemblance to Snake. This isn't a direct crossover, but a deliberate nod to Kojima's iconic creation.

How Death Stranding 2 Connects to Metal Gear Solid

The trailer's numerous references to Metal Gear go beyond a simple easter egg. Neil's transformation into a Beached entity, leading an undead army, mirrors Cliff Unger from the first game. The trailer's narration about the resurgence of American gun culture echoes the anti-armament themes prevalent in the Metal Gear series. This shared thematic concern suggests a deeper philosophical connection. Neil could be interpreted as a metaphysical "version" of Solid Snake, a soul trapped within the Death Stranding universe, possibly symbolized by his skull-like visage flashing briefly in the trailer.

Furthermore, Heartman's combination of the DHV Magellan ship with a colossal BT to create a bio-robotic giant recalls the Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid 5. The cinematic style of the trailer itself, reminiscent of the Metal Gear Solid 5 Red Band trailer, further emphasizes this connection.

Will There Be Another Kojima Metal Gear Solid Game?

The likelihood of another Metal Gear Solid game from Kojima himself is slim. His departure from Konami severed his ties to the franchise. However, Death Stranding 2, with its thematic and visual echoes, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring influence of Metal Gear Solid on Kojima's creative vision. The scale and ambition of Death Stranding 2, evident in the diverse environments and combat focus, make it feel like a spiritual successor, even without the name.