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

The latest trailer for *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* has sparked excitement among fans, particularly with the casting of Italian actor Luca Marinelli as Neil, a character whose appearance and demeanor evoke the iconic Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series. Director Hideo Kojima shared insights into the casting process on X/Twitter, detailing how he sought an actor who could surpass the impact of Mads Mikkelsen's Cliff from the first game. Kojima discovered Marinelli through his role 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.

Kojima was further impressed by Marinelli's performance in *The Old Guard* and extended an offer to him. After wrapping *The Eight Mountains*, Marinelli accepted the role of Neil and introduced Kojima to his wife, Alissa Jung, who was cast as Lucy. The performance capture sessions took place during the height of the pandemic, and Kojima praised the couple's dedication, noting their excellent on-set performances despite the lack of a complete script at the time.

Death Stranding 2 - Release Date Trailer Screenshots

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Neil's reveal in the trailer has been a highlight, with the character donning a bandanna reminiscent of Solid Snake's signature look from *Metal Gear Solid*. This visual cue, along with Neil's command over a squad of soldiers, mirrors Cliff's role in the original *Death Stranding*. Kojima has been contemplating this imagery since 2020, noting that Marinelli with a bandanna would resemble Solid Snake. While Neil is not a direct representation of Snake, the homage to Kojima's past work is clear and appreciated by fans.

Death Stranding 2 Cast

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Kojima's meticulous approach to casting underscores his vision for *Death Stranding 2*, blending new characters with echoes of his iconic past creations. Fans can look forward to seeing how Neil and other new characters fit into the expansive world of *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*, set to launch on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. For a deeper dive into the new 'Solid Snake' and the game's connection to the *Metal Gear* legacy, check out IGN's feature on the subject.