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 Lea Seydoux. This newcomer, Luca Marinelli, plays Neil, a character who bears a striking resemblance to a certain iconic figure from Kojima's past.
Who is Luca Marinelli Playing in Death Stranding 2?
Marinelli, an Italian actor, portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, lending both his voice and likeness. Known to English-speaking audiences for his role as Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, Marinelli's Neil is first seen in the trailer during an interrogation, seemingly implicated in unspecified crimes. He claims to be merely a pawn, attempting to sever ties with his mysterious employer, who insists he has "no choice" but to continue their work. A later scene reveals Neil's involvement in smuggling cargo—specifically, brain-dead pregnant women—and hints at a romantic relationship with a Bridges employee, Lucy (played by Marinelli's wife, Alissa Jung).
Wait, Brain-Dead Pregnant Women?
The original Death Stranding featured Bridge Babies (BBs), seven-month fetuses from brain-dead mothers, used to detect Beached Things (BTs)—malevolent spirits causing Voidouts. Prior to the first game's events, the US government experimented with BBs to understand Voidouts, but research was halted after a Manhattan incident. However, the trailer suggests these experiments continued clandestinely, with Neil's smuggling operation potentially supplying the government with more BBs.
Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?
The trailer's final shot of Neil with a bandana evokes Solid Snake, the protagonist of Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. While Neil isn't Solid Snake—the universes remain distinct—the visual similarity is intentional. Kojima previously expressed admiration for Marinelli, stating that he resembled Snake if he wore a bandana. This deliberate visual echo is a key element of the trailer's design.
How Death Stranding 2 Connects to Metal Gear Solid
The connection extends beyond mere visual homage. Neil's transformation into a Beached entity, leading undead soldiers, mirrors Cliff Unger's fate in the first game. The trailer's narration about the resurgence of US gun culture on a "new continent" echoes the anti-armament themes prevalent throughout the Metal Gear series, focusing on the destructive nature of weapons and their impact on humanity. This mirrors Kojima's long-standing thematic concerns. Neil could be interpreted as a metaphysical "version" of Snake, his soul trapped within the Death Stranding universe, symbolized by a skull-like flash in the trailer.
Further strengthening the link, Heartman's apparent fusion of the DHV Magellan ship with a colossal BT creates a bio-robotic giant reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid 5's Sahelanthropus. The trailer's cinematic style, mirroring the extended trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5, emphasizes the epic scale and star-studded cast, reinforcing the intentional homage.
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, through its thematic resonance, visual cues, and gameplay elements, serves as a powerful testament to Kojima's enduring fascination with the Metal Gear universe. The sequel promises an even grander scope than its predecessor, with expanded environments and a greater emphasis on combat, making it feel like a spiritual successor, even without bearing the same name.
