When Hideo Kojima announced that Naked Snake in Metal Gear Solid V will be be played by someone else than David Hayter, the world of Metal Gear had forever been disrupted. Although some rumors have floated around stating that Hayter would make a surprise appearance in the form of Solid Snake, it appears there’s no basis for that.
Here is what David Hayter just posted on Twitter—yes, it’s really broken up like this:
Guys,
For the millionth — and last — time.
I am not in Metal Gear V. In any way. At all.
No joke.
Just not.
True story.
Best,
DH
As a long-time Metal Gear fan, it’s been really weird accepting that Kiefer Sutherland will voice Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid V. David Hayter has been the voice of Solid Snake and Big Boss since the franchise graced the PS1 in 1998. Whenever I heard Big Boss’ voice throughout the Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes experience, I almost felt like I was listening to a different character speak. That’s what more than 15 years of history will do to you.
In terms of why the sudden change, there are a lot of rumors that have circled the web, none of which have any significant evidence. Some say that Kojima sought a AAA Hollywood star to give the game a more recognizable cast heading into the next generation of consoles. Others say that the high quality motion capture Metal Gear Solid V employs was more suitable for an experienced actor like Sutherland. A few even say that Big Boss’ descent into madness in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has too much negative connotation, and having a heroic voice like David Hayter behind such destruction wouldn’t fit right. If that’s the case, then Hayter might be back if the series moves forward to the Solid Snake timeline again.
Related: MGSV: The Phantom Pain E3 2014 Preview
I have a hard time believing any of the rumors, so myself and many Metal Gear fans are left without any sense of closure. David Hayter has shared that he feels the same, having essentially been ejected from a franchise that’s earned him thousands of fans. His work has always been admired.
As shocking as this all is, Kiefer Sutherland is an amazing talent. 24 is one of my favorite television series, and he plays a repetitively similar role in the show with outstanding execution. I can’t think of a better replacement, although there probably didn’t need to be one in the first place.
