Kojima Productions recently unveiled an exciting 10-minute trailer for *Death Stranding 2* at SXSW, sparking buzz among fans. The trailer not only brings back familiar faces like Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux but introduces a captivating new character, Luca Marinelli, who seems poised to take on a role reminiscent of Kojima's iconic Solid Snake. Marinelli, known to many for his role as Nicky in Netflix's *The Old Guard*, steps into the shoes of Neil in *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*.
Who is Luca Marinelli playing in Death Stranding 2? ---------------------------------------------------Luca Marinelli portrays Neil, a character whose introduction in an interrogation room sets the stage for a gripping narrative. Accused of unspecified crimes, Neil claims he was merely doing the "dirty work" for a mysterious suited man. The tension escalates as the man insists Neil has no choice but to continue working for him. This scene transitions into a conversation with a Bridges employee named Lucy, played by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung, hinting at a romantic subplot and revealing Neil's involvement in smuggling brain-dead pregnant women, a critical element tied to the game's lore.
Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?
The concept of brain-dead pregnant women ties back to the original *Death Stranding*, where Bridge Babies (BBs) were central to the story. These BBs, created from such women, exist in a limbo state that allows them to detect Beached Things (BTs) and prevent Voidouts, cataclysmic events that can obliterate entire cities. The smuggling of these women by Neil suggests ongoing, covert government experiments, echoing the secretive nature of the first game's narrative.
Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?
Image credit: Kojima Productions
While the trailer concludes with Neil donning a bandana, reminiscent of Solid Snake from Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series, Neil is not Solid Snake. The visual homage is intentional, as Kojima has expressed his admiration for Marinelli's resemblance to Snake. This nod is a playful reference to Kojima's past work, but the universes remain distinct.
How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid
Neil and his undead troops. Image credit: Kojima Productions
The trailer for Death Stranding 2 goes beyond mere visual references, echoing themes from Metal Gear Solid such as the proliferation of weapons and their impact on humanity. Neil's transformation into a Beached Thing, leading a platoon of undead warriors, mirrors the fate of characters like Cliff Unger from the first game. The narrative also hints at a resurgence of gun culture on a "new continent," aligning with Kojima's long-standing critique of arms proliferation. Additionally, the trailer's depiction of a bio-robotic giant formed from a BT and the ship DHV Magellan evokes the iconic Metal Gear machines.
A Metal Gear-like creature in Death Stranding 2. Image credit: Kojima Production
The cinematic quality of the trailer, reminiscent of the Metal Gear Solid 5 Red Band trailer, underscores Kojima's vision for Death Stranding 2, blending gameplay and cutscenes into a grand showcase. This approach suggests a game that, while not a direct successor to Metal Gear Solid, carries forward its thematic and visual legacy.
Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?
Despite the clear influence of *Metal Gear Solid* on *Death Stranding 2*, Hideo Kojima's departure from Konami means we won't see another *Metal Gear Solid* game from him. Yet, the themes and imagery of his previous work continue to inspire his current projects. With *Death Stranding 2*, Kojima aims to expand the universe with diverse environments and an increased focus on combat, drawing ever closer to the spirit of his earlier creations, even if it doesn't share the same name.
