Kojima Casts Snake-Like Actor for Death Stranding 2, Aims to Outdo Mikkelsen

The latest trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has stirred excitement among fans, particularly with the casting of Italian actor Luca Marinelli as Neil, a character reminiscent of Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series. Director Hideo Kojima shared insights into the casting process on X/Twitter, revealing that the role of Neil was intended to replace the iconic Cliff from the first game. Kojima aimed to surpass the impact of Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal of Cliff, setting a high bar for Marinelli.

Kojima first noticed Marinelli in the Italian film They Call Me Jeeg and later connected with him during the Japanese distribution of Martin Eden. In a heartfelt email, Marinelli expressed his admiration for Kojima's work, having grown up with the Metal Gear series. This connection led to Marinelli's casting after Kojima saw his performance in The Old Guard. The actor agreed to join the project even before a script was finalized, showcasing his dedication during the height of the pandemic.

Marinelli's performance, alongside his wife Alissa Jung, who plays Lucy, was captured during challenging times, yet their on-set work shone through in the trailer. Neil's character, especially his bandanna-wearing moment, evokes the iconic imagery of Solid Snake, sparking discussions about Kojima's legacy with the Metal Gear franchise.

Death Stranding 2 - Release Date Trailer Screenshots

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Kojima's vision for Neil, including the bandanna, was hinted at as early as 2020, when he mentioned that Marinelli could be a "spitting image of Solid Snake" with the right accessory. While Neil isn't a direct homage to Snake, the visual cues are undeniable, fueling fan theories and excitement.

Death Stranding 2 Cast

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For a deeper dive into the casting and its implications, check out IGN's feature, "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, promising to continue the innovative storytelling and gameplay that fans have come to expect from Hideo Kojima.