The new game Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is getting a lot of attention because of Italian actor Luca Marinelli’s role as Neil. Let’s look at what we know about Luca Marinelli in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and why his character matters.
The game comes out on June 26, 2025, for PlayStation 5, and it brings back Norman Reedus as Sam Bridges, along with new actors like Elle Fanning and George Miller. Marinelli’s Neil has already caught attention for his cool look and possible ties to Hideo Kojima’s earlier work.
What Role of Luca Marinelli in Death Stranding 2

Luca Marinelli plays Neil, the leader of a group trying to survive in a bad world. The story happens after the first Death Stranding, where the U.S. is ruined by strange creatures. Now, Sam Bridges faces new dangers, including the Magellan Man—a big monster covered in tar.
Neil’s role is a mystery, but trailers show him wearing a bandana and special gear, which looks like Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid. This makes him a character to watch because it fits with the game’s dark story.
The Connection to Metal Gear Solid

Luca Marinelli’s character in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach looks a lot like Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid. He wears a bandana and looks tough, just like Snake. This has led to ideas that Neil might be Kojima’s way of revisiting his old work.
The game also has the Magellan Man, a big enemy that reminds fans of Metal Gear’s robot bosses. This shows Kojima is mixing storytelling with nods to his past games.
Why Fans Are Excited About Luca Marinelli’s Role

Fans of Hideo Kojima are excited about Luca Marinelli in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach because there’s a lot to think about. People are guessing that Neil might be connected to Kojima’s other projects.
Some wonder if Neil’s skull-like face means he’s dealing with death, a common theme in Kojima’s games. Marinelli acts well, and his scenes with Norman Reedus show that Neil and Sam have a complicated relationship.
Final Thoughts
For now, all eyes are on Luca Marinelli in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and how his character shapes the game’s mysterious world. With Kojima’s track record for surprises, Neil’s true role might stay under wraps until players dive into the story themselves.
Whether he’s a hero, a villain, or something in between, Marinelli’s performance promises to be a highlight of this highly anticipated sequel.
As the game comes out soon, fans will keep looking for clues in trailers and interviews. They want to find out all the secrets Hideo Kojima has hidden in this strange and spooky world.