Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s latest trailer unveiled a wealth of new information, including a casting choice that’s generated significant buzz due to the character’s striking resemblance to Solid Snake. Director Hideo Kojima’s casting process for this role, specifically the selection of Italian actor Luca Marinelli as Neil, was particularly meticulous.
On X/Twitter, Kojima detailed his search, explaining that Neil’s importance in Death Stranding 2—replacing Cliff from the first game—necessitated finding someone who could surpass Mads Mikkelsen’s performance. Kojima first discovered Marinelli through his role in They Call Me Jeeg, and their connection deepened through the Japanese distribution of Martin Eden. Marinelli proactively contacted Kojima, expressing his admiration for the director and his work on Metal Gear.
Death Stranding 2 - Release Date Trailer Screenshots
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Following Marinelli’s performance in The Old Guard, Kojima offered him the role. They collaborated even before a complete script existed, with Marinelli and his wife, Alissa Jung, completing performance capture during the pandemic. Kojima praised their dedication and the quality of their work, evident even in the brief glimpses shown in the trailer.
Marinelli's portrayal of Neil is a standout in the Death Stranding 2 trailer. The scene where Neil dons a bandanna, reminiscent of Solid Snake, and commands soldiers, echoing Cliff from the first game, is particularly striking.
Death Stranding 2 Cast
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Kojima’s fascination with Marinelli and the bandanna imagery dates back to 2020, when he publicly noted the actor’s resemblance to Solid Snake if he were to wear one. While Neil isn't likely a multiversal Snake, the visual parallels are undeniable and evoke Kojima's Metal Gear legacy. For a deeper dive, see IGN's article, "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."
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is slated for release on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
