Hideo Kojima Supports 2026’s Controversial Film, Compares It to Metal Gear Solid 2

People are buzzing about Digger, the latest film featuring Tom Cruise and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Opinions are split; some see it as a self-indulgent disaster, while others hail it as one of the most thought-provoking films in recent memory. Despite its mixed reception, the film has struggled at the box office, a rare misstep for Cruise. Yet, a wave of influential artists from various fields are rallying in its defense, forming what some are calling Diggernation.

Among this group is the renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, who draws parallels between Digger and his own controversial projects.

Kojima, known for the Metal Gear and Death Stranding series, took to social media to share his thoughts on the film, offering high praise for Iñárritu’s work. He stated, “Digger is a film that everyone in today’s world should experience. It lingers with the audience, prompting reflection and raising alarms.” This sentiment was further explored in a conversation between Kojima and Iñárritu, where they discovered surprising connections between their creative endeavors.

Kojima noted, “In 2001, I created a game called Metal Gear Solid 2. Back then, social media was nonexistent, yet I crafted a narrative where social media had a life of its own. Now, that concept has become reality, much like Digger.” Both Digger and Metal Gear Solid 2 delve into themes surrounding the rise of social media and its potential to distort reality, especially in the hands of those in power. Iñárritu echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are living in a new reality shaped by things we cannot truly experience. It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?”

While the interview didn’t explicitly compare the two works, Digger and Metal Gear Solid 2 share a knack for subverting audience expectations (spoiler alert for both). Trailers for Digger hinted at a Dr. Strangelove-style comedy about the apocalypse, but early in the film, viewers discover that the narrative is actually a staged performance. This twist recontextualizes the film, transforming it into a commentary on environmentalism and the significance of art in a seemingly bleak world.

Metal Gear Solid 2 is famous for its own narrative misdirection. Players initially control Solid Snake during the game’s opening, only to be shifted into the shoes of newcomer Raiden shortly thereafter. The story continues to explore themes of deception and manipulation, constantly challenging players’ perceptions. Both Digger and Metal Gear Solid 2 employ these narrative techniques reminiscent of Brechtian theater, advancing broader themes about environmental issues and the fragility of perceived reality. Ultimately, both works encourage dialogue, pushing against the confines of social media that Kojima and Iñárritu discuss.

Let’s dive into Digger spoilers…