Kojima Reveals New 'Solid Snake' in Death Stranding 2: Metal Gear Tribute

Who is Luca Marinelli's Character in Death Stranding 2?

Italian actor Luca Marinelli joins the cast as Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Though primarily known for Italian-language roles, international audiences may recognize him as the immortal mercenary Nicky from Netflix's The Old Guard.

The trailer introduces Neil during an intense interrogation scene where he's accused of undisclosed crimes by a mysterious suited figure. Neil claims to have merely performed "dirty work" for this enigmatic character before we see him conversing with Bridges employee Lucy (played by Marinelli's real-life wife Alissa Jung). Their exchange hints at both a romantic connection and Neil's involvement in smuggling brain-dead pregnant women - likely for controversial BB experiments.

The Legacy of Bridge Babies

The original Death Stranding introduced Bridge Babies (BBs) - fetuses harvested from brain-dead mothers that enable communication with the afterlife. These experiments were supposedly halted after causing the Manhattan Voidout disaster, though Neil's smuggling operation suggests the research secretly continued.

Is This Kojima's New Solid Snake?

The trailer's climactic moment shows Marinelli's Neil tying on a bandana, creating an unmistakable resemblance to Metal Gear's Solid Snake. This is no coincidence - Kojima previously praised Marinelli's Snake-like potential in a 2020 Instagram post. While not literally the same character, Neil appears to serve as Kojima's spiritual successor to his most famous creation.

Metal Gear Connections Run Deep

The parallels extend beyond appearance. Neil becomes a Beached Thing - echoing Metal Gear's themes of soldiers trapped in perpetual war. When undead, he leads spectral troops reminiscent of MGS's signature combat sequences. Even the DHV Magellan transforming into a bio-mechanical giant recalls Metal Gear Solid 5's Sahalanthropus.

Like MGS5's famous Red Band trailer, this cinematic preview embraces Hollywood-style storytelling while showcasing gameplay innovation. Though Kojima can't officially revisit Metal Gear, Death Stranding 2 appears to channel its spirit through expanded combat mechanics and deeper military themes.

The Future of Kojima's Vision

With Konami retaining Metal Gear rights, this sequel represents Kojima's opportunity to creatively revisit his defining work's themes: the cost of warfare, nuclear proliferation, and soldiers caught between life and death. While not Metal Gear in name, Death Stranding 2's trailer suggests it may become its worthy successor in spirit.