Kojima surprised a lot of gamers when it announced that Kiefer Sutherland would be taking over the voicing duties for Snake. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain will see the 24 star handle the voice and motion capture for the franchise's leading man.
Sutherland's entrance led to the exit of David Hayter. The actor/writer/director had voiced Snake since 1998. His departure from the franchise means The Phantom Pain will be the first Metal Gear Solid game that features a different voice for Snake.
Hayter's departure also came with the interesting bit of news that the voice actor for the Japanese version of the game would not be changing. The fact that only Hayter was being let go caused some fans of the series to question whether game producers were not happy with his individual work.
Now, Assistant Producer at Kojima Sean Eyestones has come out to dismiss any questions regarding Hayter's work with the series. During the most recent Kojima Productions Alert podcast Eyestone says that the Japanese voice actor for the game was not changed because Sutherland will be driving the animation for Snake.
He reports that Sutherland will perform facial motion capture for the next Metal Gear game. His work will lead the character forward and the Japanese voice actor was kept on because he will only handle the dub.
"This time, the English voice is really driving the animation, is driving the character. In past Metal Gears, everything was done by hand: the animation was done by hand, both the English and the Japanese were dubbed in," says Assistant Producer at Kojima Productions Sean Eyestone.
Eyestone also says that fans will be 'very happy' when they see Sutherland's take on Snake. Despite early fears, Eyestone believes that fans will be pleased with the performance.
"I know some people may have reservations, whenever things change, people are always a little nervous. But I think if you just wait and see how things turn out I think you'll be very happy with the performance. I think it's really cool and we can't wait to show you more," continued Eyestone.
Sutherland will play an older version of Snake. Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain will take place in 1984. Sutherland will be playing a 49 year old version of Snake. His age reportedly had a lot to do with his casting. Ironically, Sutherland is only two years older than Hayter. Both are also younger than 49 years old.
