As a huge fan of Hideo Kojima's work, the announcement of Death Stranding 2 sent my mind racing with possibilities. While we know Sam Porter Bridges, Fragile, and Higgs Monaghan are confirmed to return, the original game's world was populated with such a memorable, star-studded cast of characters. Kojima's storytelling—that unique blend of the absurd, logical, comedic, and methodical—created figures that were charming, idiosyncratic, and deeply mysterious in their own ways. Even if I didn't grasp every single plot detail (let's be honest, who did on the first playthrough?), I latched onto these characters. Their stories felt unfinished, their mysteries only partially unraveled. So, with the sequel in development for PS5, here are the characters from the first game I'm genuinely hoping make a comeback, not just for nostalgia, but because their narratives have so much more to give.
The Man of Many Parts: Deadman
First on my list is Deadman, portrayed by the legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. His performance was a highlight for me. Here was a character literally stitched together from transplanted organs, a condition that destroyed his Ka (the game's version of a soul). Yet, he became one of Sam's most reliable and heartfelt allies. His charisma and that deeply intriguing backstory make him a character I need to see more of. The sequel presents a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into what it truly means to exist without a Ka in the world of Death Stranding. Is he searching for a way to reclaim it? How does his unique physiology continue to affect his perspective on life and death? His return wouldn't just be fan service; it would be a chance to explore profound philosophical questions through a character we've already grown to care about.
The Twin Enigma: Malingen & Lockne
Margaret Qualley's dual performance as the twins Malingen and Lockne was nothing short of fantastic. Their story was tragic and complex, culminating in Lockne absorbing her sister's Ka by the end of the first game. This creates a one-of-a-kind character with immense narrative potential. What is it like to house two souls in one body? Does Lockne now experience the world through both her own and her sister's consciousness? This isn't just a plot thread; it's a gateway to exploring themes of identity, grief, and synthesis. I believe Lockne has so much more to contribute to the evolving world, and I'm really hoping the sequel picks up her uniquely poignant story.
The Tormented Leader: Die-Hardman
Die-Hardman's arc was a masterclass in guilt-ridden leadership. He ascended from Director of Bridges to President of the United Cities of America, all while being crushed by the weight of his role in Cliff Unger's death. While many of his secrets were revealed, his character development feels far from over. 😔 Death Stranding 2 could offer the perfect stage for him to evolve from a leader haunted by the past into one who actively builds a future. How does he govern in this fragile new world? Can he truly forgive himself? I want to see him struggle, grow, and perhaps find a measure of peace, making his return crucial for the political and emotional landscape of the sequel.
The Man Between Heartbeats: Heartman
Heartman, played by Nicholas Winding Refn, was one of the most conceptually fascinating characters. His condition—his heart stopping every twenty-one minutes—was a brilliant narrative device. Each time, he would journey to his Beach, searching for his lost wife and child. The poignant end of his quest in the first game, where he realizes the search is fruitless and begins to "move on," was heartbreaking. But what does "moving on" look like for Heartman? 🤔 Does he find a new purpose? Does his unique relationship with death grant him new insights into the ongoing Stranding? His story is a beautiful metaphor for grief and acceptance, and DS2 could show us the next chapter in a truly moving way.
The Ghost in Sam's Past: Lucy Strand
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant return could come from a character who was gone before the first game even began: Lucy Strand, Sam's wife. Her tragic suicide is the core wound that defines Sam's character. While she may not return in the present, DS2 could use flashbacks or other narrative techniques (maybe exploring Sam's Beach?) to shed profound light on their relationship. Understanding Lucy is key to understanding Sam. Exploring their past could elevate the entire story, deepening Sam's characterization and giving context to his isolation and pain. It's a chance to add layers to the foundation of the entire narrative.
Of course, trying to predict a Kojima game is often a fool's errand. The man is famous for his unexpected twists. Death Stranding succeeded because of its strong, uncompromising vision, and I trust that DS2 won't bring back characters merely for nostalgia's sake. Every return should serve the new story. But looking at this list—Deadman's soul-searching, Lockne's dual existence, Die-Hardman's leadership, Heartman's recovery, and Lucy's legacy—these aren't just callbacks. They are doors to richer world-building and deeper emotional journeys. I can't wait to see which paths Kojima Productions chooses to walk when Death Stranding 2 finally connects us all again.
According to coverage from Polygon, character returns in story-driven sequels tend to land best when they advance a new thematic thesis rather than simply replay familiar beats—an idea that fits Death Stranding 2’s potential to use figures like Deadman, Lockne, Die-Hardman, and Heartman as lenses for identity, governance, grief, and the cost of connection as the world’s rules continue to evolve.