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 who bears a striking resemblance to a certain iconic figure from Kojima's past.
Who is Luca Marinelli Playing in Death Stranding 2?
Marinelli portrays Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. While primarily known for Italian-language films, English-speaking audiences might recognize him as Nicky from Netflix's The Old Guard. The trailer shows Neil in an interrogation, seemingly attempting to sever ties with a mysterious employer who forces him to continue smuggling cargo – specifically, brain-dead pregnant women. A later scene hints at a romantic relationship with Lucy, a Bridges employee 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, crucial for detecting BTs (Beached Things). Government experiments with BBs led to a devastating Voidout in Manhattan. Neil's smuggling operation suggests a continuation of these illegal experiments, presumably for the U.S. government.
Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?
The trailer's final shot of Neil with a bandana strongly evokes Solid Snake. While Neil isn't Solid Snake, the resemblance is intentional. Kojima previously stated Marinelli resembled Snake if he wore a bandana, a prediction fulfilled in the trailer. The universes remain separate, but the visual homage is undeniable.
How Death Stranding 2 Connects to Metal Gear Solid
The connection extends beyond visual nods. Neil's eventual transformation into a Beached being, leading an undead army, mirrors Cliff Unger from the first game. The trailer's narration about the resurgence of gun culture on a "new continent" echoes Metal Gear's themes of weapon proliferation and its destabilizing effect on humanity. This anti-armament stance is a recurring theme in Kojima's work, often explored through non-lethal gameplay options. Neil could be interpreted as a metaphysical "version" of Solid Snake, a soul trapped within the Death Stranding universe.
Further reinforcing the connection, Heartman appears to combine the DHV Magellan ship with a colossal BT, creating a bio-robotic giant reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid 5's Sahelanthropus. The trailer's cinematic style, mirroring the Red Band trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5, further emphasizes the intentional homage.
Will There Be Another Kojima Metal Gear Solid Game?
It's highly unlikely Kojima will create another Metal Gear Solid game. His departure from Konami ended his involvement with the franchise. However, Death Stranding 2, with its thematic and visual references, serves as a powerful testament to Kojima's enduring fascination with the themes and imagery of his previous work. The sequel promises a larger scope, diverse environments, and a greater emphasis on combat, making it feel, in many ways, like a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear Solid series.
