Kojima Productions unveiled an exciting new trailer for *Death Stranding 2* at SXSW, and it's stirring up quite the buzz among fans. Not only does it bring back beloved characters like Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, but it also introduces a fresh face to the franchise: Luca Marinelli. Marinelli, known to many as the immortal mercenary Nicky from Netflix's *The Old Guard*, steps into the shoes of a new character named Neil in *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*. But what's truly intriguing is the way Marinelli's character seems to be channeling the essence of Kojima's legendary creation, Solid Snake.

Who is Luca Marinelli playing in Death Stranding 2?

In *Death Stranding 2*, Luca Marinelli embodies the character Neil, whose journey unfolds dramatically in the trailer. We first see Neil in an intense interrogation scene, where he's accused of unspecified crimes by a man in a suit. Neil claims he was merely doing the "dirty work" for this mysterious figure and seems eager to sever ties. The tension escalates when the man insists that Neil "has no choice" but to continue their arrangement.

The narrative then shifts to Neil conversing with Lucy, a Bridges employee played by Marinelli's real-life wife, Alissa Jung. Their dialogue suggests a romantic connection and sheds light on Neil's clandestine job—smuggling cargo, specifically brain-dead pregnant women. This shocking detail ties back to the lore of *Death Stranding*, where such women are critical for creating Bridge Babies (BBs), which are essential for detecting Beached Things (BTs) and preventing Voidouts.

Wait, brain-dead pregnant women?

To understand the significance of Neil's smuggling operation, it's crucial to revisit the core mechanics of the first *Death Stranding*. BBs, derived from these brain-dead mothers, exist in a state between life and death, enabling them to communicate with the world of the dead and detect BTs. These BTs are malevolent entities that, if not managed, can cause catastrophic Voidouts capable of destroying entire cities. The trailer hints at Neil's involvement in a secretive continuation of the US Government's BB experiments, despite their official discontinuation after a devastating incident in Manhattan.

Is Solid Snake in Death Stranding 2?

Image credit: Kojima Productions

The trailer concludes with a striking image of Neil tying a bandana around his forehead, echoing the iconic look of Solid Snake from Kojima's *Metal Gear Solid* series. This visual cue is no mere coincidence; it's a deliberate nod by Hideo Kojima to his past work. While Neil isn't Solid Snake, the homage is unmistakable, especially considering Kojima's previous comments about Marinelli resembling Snake if he wore a bandana.

How Death Stranding 2 connects to Metal Gear Solid

Neil and his undead troops. Image credit: Kojima Productions

The connection to *Metal Gear Solid* goes beyond mere aesthetics. Neil's storyline, particularly his transition into a Beached state and his association with a platoon of undead warriors, mirrors themes explored in the *Metal Gear* series, such as the proliferation of weapons and the destabilization of humanity. The trailer's mention of the resurgence of gun culture in the "new continent" directly echoes Kojima's critique of nuclear weapon proliferation in *Metal Gear*.

Moreover, the trailer introduces a bio-robotic giant formed by combining a ship, the DHV Magellan, with a colossal BT, reminiscent of the Sahalanthropus from *Metal Gear Solid 5*. This fusion not only underscores the thematic parallels but also hints at the scale and ambition of *Death Stranding 2*, which promises diverse environments and a stronger emphasis on combat.

A Metal Gear-like creature in Death Stranding 2. Image credit: Kojima Productions

Will there be another Kojima Metal Gear Solid game?

While Hideo Kojima won't be returning to the *Metal Gear Solid* franchise due to his departure from Konami, his latest work on *Death Stranding 2* clearly reflects his enduring fascination with the themes and imagery of his previous series. The trailer's cinematic quality and epic scope are reminiscent of the *Metal Gear Solid 5* Red Band trailer, showcasing Kojima's continued ambition to blend gameplay and narrative in a movie-like experience.

In summary, *Death Stranding 2* may not be a *Metal Gear Solid* game by name, but it carries forward the spirit and thematic depth of Kojima's past work, promising an even more ambitious sequel that resonates with fans of both series.