Fans were disappointed when it was revealed that longtime Solid Snake voice actor David Hayter wouldn't be returning to reprise what is arguably his most famous role, sharing their sympathy, writing petitions, and generally reveling in their respective feelings of gloom and doom.
But it seems no one is more disappointed than the man himself. The actor took to TwitLonger to reflect on his time as the super spy, and how he learned of the news:
"METAL GEAR V
By
David Hayter
So,
Here's a recap of events:
I have been up in Toronto, for the past eight months, directing my first film, (WOLVES -- 2013, TF1/COPPERHEART). On the December break, I came home to Los Angeles for the holidays. I heard then, that recording sessions for MG:V were being put together.
But I didn't hear anything about whether I'd be needed or not.
So, I got in touch with someone involved in the production. We got together for lunch, and he told me that they "wouldn't be needing me" on this game. No reason, or explanation was given beyond that.
And that was it.
I drove home through Laurel Canyon, bummed, and thinking about Snake.
To be clear, I love being a part of the world of Metal Gear. I admire its technological innovations, the gameplay, the political message of it all. But primarily, I love the fans of these games. Two grown men burst into tears upon meeting me at the Vancouver Fan Expo last year.
Now that... Is a rare and excellent role. You know you're making an impact.
And I love doing it.
In 1998, I tried to do come up with a voice which epitomized the kind of worn, put-upon, genetically-engineered clone-soldier that I saw Snake to be. Over time, as the games became more stunning and visually sophisticated, I tried to transition that initial voice into the increasingly real environments in which Snake found himself. My level of success is up to you, but any perceived deficiencies were not for lack of hard work. I have dedicated a huge amount of time and effort into creating a compelling character, capable of expressing the myriad emotional, physical and psychological hurdles that Snake has to face.
Anyway, now it's been fifteen years, nine games, and an enormous blast to undertake.
If it were my choice, I would do this role forever. To hear anyone else's voice coming from Snake's battered throat, makes me a little ill, to be honest.
But the truth is -- it's not my choice. Any and all casting decisions are the sole purview of Hideo Kojima, and Konami itself. And that's fair.
And I'll get by. I am not lacking for employment on any level.
But I didn't want anybody to think that I was intentionally abandoning them.
And know that I will miss this job, and this character, very much.
My best wishes to you all,
David Hayter
April 1, 2013"
Despite today being April Fool's, coupled with Kojima's penchant for trickery, this heartfelt expression really seems to be the final nail in the coffin that Hayter won't be returning after all.
Director and creator Hideo Kojima previously explained the reasons not to bring back Hayter, saying he and the rest of the team wanted "Metal Gear Solid 5" to be a "new type of 'Metal Gear' game, and we want to have this reflected in the voice actor as well."
