Kojima Productions unveiled an exciting 10-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW, showcasing both returning stars like Norman Reedus and Léa Seydoux, and introducing a fresh face, Luca Marinelli. Marinelli's role in the game, however, is more than just a new character; it hints at a deeper connection to Hideo Kojima's past works, particularly the iconic Metal Gear Solid series.
Who is Luca Marinelli playing in Death Stranding 2?
Luca Marinelli, an acclaimed Italian actor known for his role as the immortal mercenary Nicky in Netflix's The Old Guard, portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. In the trailer, Neil is introduced in an intense interrogation scene, accused of unspecified crimes by a man in a suit. Neil claims he was merely doing the "dirty work" for this mysterious figure, indicating a strained working relationship. The man insists that Neil has "no choice" but to continue his work for him.
The scene shifts to Neil conversing with Lucy, a Bridges employee played by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. This interaction not only hints at a romantic connection between Neil and Lucy but also sheds light on Neil's job: smuggling cargo, specifically brain-dead pregnant women, for the suited man.
Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?
The concept of brain-dead pregnant women ties back to the original Death Stranding, where Norman Reedus' character, Sam Porter Bridges, carries a Bridge Baby (BB) in a glowing orange flask. BBs are fetuses removed via c-section from brain-dead mothers, existing in a state of limbo that allows them to connect with the world of the dead. This connection is crucial for detecting Beached Things (BTs), malevolent souls that can cause catastrophic Voidouts.
Before the events of the first game, the US Government was secretly researching BBs to understand Voidouts, despite officially halting the experiments after a disastrous incident in Manhattan. Neil's smuggling operation suggests that this research continues covertly, likely under government auspices.
Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?
The trailer concludes with a striking image of Neil donning a bandana, reminiscent of Solid Snake from Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. While Neil is not Solid Snake, the visual homage is unmistakable and intentional. Hideo Kojima has expressed admiration for Marinelli's resemblance to Solid Snake, suggesting a deliberate nod to his past work.
How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid
Beyond the visual references, Death Stranding 2 evokes the themes and atmosphere of Metal Gear Solid. Neil's transformation into a Beached entity, akin to Cliff Unger from the first game, and his association with undead soldiers, reflect the series' exploration of gun culture and weapon proliferation. The trailer also hints at broader themes of arms destabilizing humanity, a recurring motif in Kojima's work.
Additionally, the trailer shows Heartman merging the DHV Magellan with a colossal BT to form a bio-robotic giant, reminiscent of the Metal Gear machines from the MGS series. This not only ties into the theme of nuclear proliferation but also showcases Kojima's cinematic style, akin to the epic trailers of Metal Gear Solid 5.
Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?
While Hideo Kojima will not return to the Metal Gear Solid series due to his departure from Konami, his influence and thematic explorations continue to permeate his new projects. Death Stranding 2 appears to be an ambitious expansion of the original game, with diverse environments and an increased focus on combat. Although not a Metal Gear Solid game in name, it draws heavily from Kojima's past works, offering fans a new experience that echoes the spirit of his previous successes.
