K ojima Productions premiered a new, 10-minute long trailer for Death Stranding 2 at SXSW over the recent weekend, and while it features some familiar faces – like Norman Reedus

Seeing an actor's face in Death Stranding isn't a surprise anymore – but nobody was expecting to see a face echoing Kojima's old protagonist.

If you’ve watched the new Death Stranding 2 trailer, you’ll know that Italian actor Luca Marinelli puts on a bandana and looks directly into the camera like Metal Gear Solid protagonist Solid Snake. It’s one of the best Easter eggs in the epic 10-minute trailer, but did you know auteur Hideo Kojima foreshadowed the scene half a decade ago?

Kojima first learned of Marinelli through his role in the Italian film They Call Me Jeeg, and a correspondence sprung up around the Japanese distribution of the film Martin Eden.

Hideo Kojima has opened up about the casting of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach ’s mysterious new character, Neil, who sparked interest in the latest trailer thanks to his uncanny resemblance to Metal Gear Solid ’s Solid Snake.

Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love Issues delivered straight to your door or device Hideo Kojima has revealed more about the casting of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach’s new character,

Kojima explains that during the pandemic, when he was casting for Death Stranding 2, Neil would be an important character that replaces Cliff from the first Death Stranding, and how the fans "would not be satisfied" unless the casting would surpass Mads Mikkelsen (who played Cliff in the first game).

Issues delivered straight to your door or device Snaaake?

If you want to look more like Neil, a smuggler shown in the new Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer, you're in luck, because his watch is being sold by Hamilton. Unfortunately, it'll cost you more than $1,500.

Death Stranding 2 launched a new trailer this week, and fans have commented on a resemblance to Solid Snake, and Kojima has responded.