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, a character whose presence hints at a significant connection to Kojima's iconic Metal Gear Solid series.

Who is Luca Marinelli Playing in Death Stranding 2?

Marinelli portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Known for roles in Italian cinema and as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, Marinelli's Neil is initially seen in an interrogation, seemingly trying to sever ties with a mysterious figure who forces him to continue his work: smuggling brain-dead pregnant women. A subsequent scene shows Neil's relationship with Lucy, a Bridges employee played by his real-life wife, Alissa Jung.

Wait, Brain-Dead Pregnant Women?

The original Death Stranding featured Bridge Babies (BBs), seven-month fetuses from brain-dead mothers, crucial for detecting Beached Things (BTs). Government experimentation with BBs led to a catastrophic Voidout in Manhattan. Neil's smuggling operation suggests a continuation of this illicit research, presumably for the US government.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

While Neil isn't Solid Snake, the striking visual similarity, especially when Neil wears a bandana, is intentional. Kojima himself previously noted Marinelli's resemblance to Snake. The connection lies in thematic and artistic parallels, rather than a direct crossover.

How Death Stranding 2 Connects to Metal Gear Solid

The trailer heavily evokes Metal Gear. Neil's eventual transformation into a Beached being, leading an undead army, mirrors Cliff Unger from the first game. The trailer's focus on the resurgence of American gun culture echoes Metal Gear's recurring themes of weapon proliferation and its destabilizing effect on humanity. Neil could be interpreted as a metaphysical "version" of Snake, his soul trapped within the Death Stranding universe. The trailer also features a colossal BT-enhanced ship, reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid V's Sahelanthropus.

Will There Be Another Kojima Metal Gear Solid Game?

The likelihood of another Kojima-directed Metal Gear Solid game is slim. However, Death Stranding 2 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring influence of Metal Gear on Kojima's creative vision. The sequel's scale, diverse environments, and emphasis on combat suggest a game that, while distinct, draws heavily from the DNA of Metal Gear Solid.