Hideo Kojima: Mads Mikkelsen Won’t Return for Death Stranding 2 ‘Because We Care About the Character’ Despite What Fans Want

The much-anticipated sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is coming next year, and players are getting ready to experience one of the most intricate and interesting narratives in video games. However, in a surprising move that is bound to stir fans with loads of emotions, Hideo Kojima has confirmed that Mads Mikkelsen’s character, Cliff, will not be making a return in the upcoming sequel.

The announcement comes after the community was filled with various speculations and high hopes to see more of Mikkelsen’s enigmatic and memorable role. As explained by Kojima himself, the decision to not include Cliff was not an afterthought but it was to preserve the character’s integrity in the story, showing the consequences of the journey.

Fans Disappointed as Cliff Will Not Return in Death Stranding 2

For many fans of Death Stranding, Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Cliff was one of the most memorable highlights of the first game, as he not only showcased the haunting yet realistic depth of the game but was also able to blend that feature into his character’s complex backstory, that resonated strongly with all the players.

After hearing that Death Stranding 2 is in development, players were super excited to see the return of the character, discussing theories and speculation about his return in the sequel. However, Hideo Kojima, the main visionary behind the series stated that Cliff will not be making a return in the sequel.

To further elaborate on his point, he stated he acknowledged the support and requests from fans who desperately want to see Cliff back but that won’t happen. The decision was to emphasize the original game’s story, wanting not to risk the overexposure of the character just because of popularity.

Kojima understood the gravity of the announcement, so he followed up with a tweet, offering a deeper insight into why the decision was made.

If you have PLAYED DS1 to the end, you will understand. Cliff is a character who played a very important and special role in Death Stranding. Mads understood this and performed it beautifully. Mads' Cliff will remain in the story of Death Stranding and in your memories forever.… https://t.co/WzECINz6vR

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) February 3, 2024

Even though adding Cliff in the sequel would have created more excitement, Kojima’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the game and the impact of Cliff’s character arc was a higher priority.

By choosing not to bring the character back, he meant to show that sometimes, the most impactful stories/characters are those that are allowed to remain complete and untarnished.

What the Future of Death Stranding 2 Holds for Fans?

It is certain that players will feel the absence of Cliff in Death Stranding 2, but this also opens doors for new characters and stories to emerge, allowing the sequel to explore different aspects of its universe.

Kojima is always known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling but not at the cost of ruining the original work. He approaches every project while respecting the original work and pushing forward with fresh yet intriguing ideas, a strategy that can be seen in all his innovative game designs.

As fans come to terms with the fact that Mads Mikkelsen’s character, Cliff will not be making a return, they need to get excited about once again seeing Norman Reedus as Sam Porter Bridges, Lea Seydoux as Fragile, and Troy Baker as Higgs Monaghan.

In the end, it is clear that Kojima’s decision stems from a place of deep respect for the character and the actor’s contribution to the original game. While Cliff will not be making a return, Mads Mikkelsen’s legacy will continue to be an important part of the Death Stranding universe.

Who is the character you are most excited to see in the sequel? Tell us in the comment section below.