Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s latest trailer unveiled a wealth of new information, generating considerable excitement, particularly surrounding the casting of Luca Marinelli as Neil—a character whose striking resemblance to Solid Snake has ignited much discussion. The casting process itself proved particularly meticulous, as director Hideo Kojima aimed to find an actor who could surpass the impact of Mads Mikkelsen's performance as Cliff in the first Death Stranding.
Kojima detailed the casting journey on X/Twitter, explaining that he discovered Marinelli through his role in They Call Me Jeeg. Further contact arose during the Japanese distribution of Martin Eden, where Marinelli proactively emailed Kojima, expressing his admiration for the director and his work on Metal Gear.
Death Stranding 2 - Release Date Trailer Screenshots
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Following Marinelli's performance in The Old Guard, Kojima extended an offer. After Marinelli completed filming The Eight Mountains, they discussed the role, leading to Marinelli's acceptance. Marinelli further facilitated the casting of his wife, Alissa Jung, as Lucy. Their performance capture, completed during the pandemic, impressed Kojima, who praised their exceptional on-set work, evident even in the short trailer glimpses.
Neil’s reveal in the trailer is a standout moment, culminating in him donning a bandanna reminiscent of Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid, and commanding troops in a style echoing Cliff from the first Death Stranding.
Death Stranding 2 Cast
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Kojima’s fascination with Marinelli and the bandanna imagery dates back to 2020, when he noted Marinelli’s resemblance to Solid Snake if he wore one. While Neil is unlikely to be a multiversal Snake, the visual parallels undeniably evoke Kojima’s Metal Gear legacy.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is slated for release on June 26, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
