Kojima Productions debuted a new, ten-minute trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW over the recent weekend. While it features returning actors Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, the trailer introduces a new character portrayed by Luca Marinelli. This newcomer isn't merely a fresh face—he appears positioned to become Kojima's potential new icon, reminiscent of Solid Snake.

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

Marinelli, an Italian actor, lends his voice and likeness to the character Neil in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. While primarily known for Italian-language films, English-speaking audiences may recognize him as the immortal mercenary Nicky from Netflix’s The Old Guard. The new trailer presents Neil in an interrogation, accused of unspecified crimes by a suited official. Neil claims he was merely handling the “dirty work” and attempts to sever ties, but is told he has no choice but to continue.

The scene shifts to Neil conversing with Lucy, a Bridges employee played by Marinelli’s real-life wife, Alissa Jung. Their exchange hints at a romantic connection and reveals Neil’s smuggling operation: transporting brain-dead pregnant women.

Brain-Dead Pregnant Women? Explaining the Concept

One of the original Death Stranding’s most iconic visuals is Sam Porter Bridges carrying a Bridge Baby (BB)—a fetus in a pod, extracted from a brain-dead mother. This state between life and death allows BBs to detect Beached Things (BTs), malevolent souls that cause catastrophic Voidouts. Before the first game, the U.S. government researched BBs to understand Voidouts, but halted experiments after one destroyed Manhattan. The research continued covertly, which explains why Neil is smuggling these women—presumably for continued, illegal government studies.

Does Solid Snake Appear in Death Stranding 2?

The trailer concludes with Neil tying a bandana around his forehead, creating a striking resemblance to Solid Snake from Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series. The connection is intentional. In a 2020 interview, Kojima mentioned Marinelli and remarked that the actor would be a "spitting image of Solid Snake" with a bandana. While Neil is not literally Snake (the universes are separate), this is a clear homage to Kojima’s iconic creation.

How Death Stranding 2 Connects to Metal Gear Solid

The homage goes beyond appearance. The trailer suggests Neil becomes "Beached," his soul stranded in the living world like Cliff Unger in the first game. He leads undead soldiers as a narrator discusses the resurgence of U.S. gun culture—a theme central to the Metal Gear series, which critiques weapon proliferation and nuclear arms. This philosophical link suggests Neil could be a metaphysical echo of Snake, a soul from one universe manifesting in another.

Another major reference occurs when Heartman merges the DHV Magellan ship with a massive BT, forming a bio-robotic giant reminiscent of Sahalanthropus from Metal Gear Solid V. Furthermore, the trailer’s cinematic scale and blend of gameplay with cutscenes mirror the epic presentation of Metal Gear Solid V’s promotional material.

Will Hideo Kojima Ever Make Another Metal Gear Solid Game?

It is highly unlikely Hideo Kojima will create another Metal Gear Solid game following his departure from Konami. Future projects, like the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake, will proceed without his involvement. However, the series' imagery and themes remain deeply ingrained in his creative vision. With Death Stranding 2, Kojima is channeling that inspiration, crafting a sequel with more diverse environments, enhanced combat, and the philosophical depth of his prior work. While not bearing the Metal Gear name, Death Stranding 2 appears to be its spiritual successor in ambition and tone.