Summary
Fans continue to anticipate the release of a sequel to Hideo Kojima’s divisive yet praisedDeath Stranding, and even more so now that an official announcement trailer for it was revealed in PlayStation’s 2024 State of Play. Now given the titleDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach, the sequel will see several cast members return, namely Norman Reedus, Lea Seydoux, and Troy Baker. Despite all that was revealed in the latest trailer,a new actress' role inDeath Stranding 2remains a mystery: Elle Fanning.
Elle appears near the end of the trailer forDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach, but the footage she is involved in only lasts for a little over 30 seconds and doesn’t give much information about her character. Such secrecy surrounding her character has sparked intense discussion amongDeath Strandingfans, with many theorizing about what part she might play in the sequel. At the very least, however, the trailer provided more clues about her character than fans have had thus far, even though it’s likely her role will not be revealed until the game’s release.
Elle Fanning’s Character Remains a Mystery in Death Stranding 2’s State of Play Trailer
Death Stranding 2’s State of Play Trailer Reveals More Details About Elle Fanning’s Character
At the beginning ofDeath Stranding 2’s State of Play trailer, Fragile and a doctor are seen breaking open a chrysalis, revealing a person inside. After breaking it open, they take the person’s arm out and notice circles that cover the arm. They then attempt to pull a hair sticking out of one of the circles, only for it to squirt out a tar-like substance resembling the Timefall from the first game, which causes anything it touches to age rapidly and decay. The tar lands on Fragile’s glove, soaking through it and aging a small part of her hand. Shortly thereafter, the individual inside the chrysalis awakens.
Near the end of the trailer, Elle is seen standing outside a room where Sam, Fragile, and the doctor who worked with Fragile at the beginning of the trailer are investigating the body of a woman, whom they said was found inside a chrysalis. Keen-eyed viewers will likely also notice white strands ascending off of the woman’s body. After Sam comments on the woman’s home, Elle’s character begins to walk away, and similar white strands briefly appear above her as well. She is likely linked to this other woman in some way, and it’s possible she was also found inside a chrysalis.
Fans Will Continue to Theorize About Who Elle Plays in Death Stranding 2
One of the most popular theories about Elle Fanning’sDeath Stranding 2character is that she will play an adult version of Lou, Sam’s Bridge Baby fromDeath Stranding,who allowed Sam to detect BTs (Beached Things) when he was physically connected to her. As it turns out, Lou was revealed to be Sam’s unborn daughter at the end ofDeath Stranding, and she has already been shown inthe first trailer forDeath Stranding 2as a toddler, as the name “Louise” can be seen on her bib while Fragile is playing with her.
Another popular fan theory involves Elle playing a younger version of Fragile, but this one could be considered less likely, as Elle’s character and Lea Seydoux’s aren’t very similar in appearance. At least the State of Play trailer provided a few moredetails about Elle Fanning’s role, though it will be impossible to know the context of those details until more of the story is revealed. Fans may have to continue theorizing about Elle’s character untilDeath Stranding 2releases next year.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
