Did Solid Snake Show Up in Death Stranding 2's Trailer?

Death Stranding 2’s newly released trailer has sparked intense speculation, with a new character bearing a striking resemblance to Metal Gear Solid’s iconic Solid Snake. Read on to discover more about Death Stranding 2’s release date and pre-order options.

Death Stranding 2 Details Unveiled at SXSW 2025

10-Minute Trailer Showcases New Characters and Gameplay

During South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 9th, 2025, in Austin, Texas, Kojima Productions and Sony revealed the release date for *Death Stranding 2: On The Beach* (DS2). The panel kicked off with a captivating 10-minute trailer, offering glimpses into the game's narrative and showcasing new gameplay footage. The trailer suggests DS2 will continue the series' exploration of human connection within a post-apocalyptic setting.

Director Hideo Kojima was joined by PlayStation’s Kristen Zitan, along with returning actors Norman Reedus (Sam Porter Bridges), Troy Baker, and Woodkid (music director and designer). The trailer also introduced a compelling new character, Neil, played by Luca Marinelli, who leads a mysterious faction. The character's resemblance to Solid Snake, complete with a similar headband, has not gone unnoticed by fans.

This observation isn't entirely new; Kojima himself commented on Marinelli's striking resemblance to Solid Snake while wearing a bandana in a July 2020 Instagram post. Regardless of the visual similarities, Neil's faction appears poised to play a significant role in the Death Stranding sequel.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is slated for release on June 26th, 2025, exclusively on PlayStation 5. For the latest news and updates, be sure to check out our dedicated Death Stranding 2: On The Beach article!