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.

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.

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