Kojima Discusses the Surprising Link Between 2026’s Most Controversial Film and Metal Gear Solid 2
Digger may not be a box office hit, but it’s definitely sparking discussions among those who have seen it. Despite its lackluster performance, the film has garnered a growing fanbase, including none other than Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind Metal Gear. Kojima has lauded the film for its exploration of significant themes, even drawing parallels between its narrative and his own game, Metal Gear Solid 2, during a conversation with director Alejandro González Iñárritu.
Kojima took to social media to describe Digger as “a film that all of us living in today’s world should see,” and elaborated on this sentiment in an interview with Iñárritu. The film tackles pressing issues like climate change and misinformation through a blend of comedy and intense drama, reminiscent of classics like Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove and Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator, which challenge viewers to reflect on the state of the world through absurdist satire.
“It’s not about meteorites crashing down or alien invasions; it reflects real events happening around us,” Kojima remarked. “It’s a terrifying film, yet that’s what makes it comedic. Its structure feels like a fusion of cinema and theater, ultimately presenting a narrative that isn’t set in the future but is part of our current history. The execution of this structure genuinely surprised me.”
He pointed out that these elements echo the social commentary found in Metal Gear Solid 2. “Back then, we didn’t have social media, but I envisioned a story where social media had a life of its own,” Kojima explained to Iñárritu. “That’s somewhat akin to what’s happening in Digger, isn’t it? Misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, creating anxiety about its influence on politics and our everyday lives. I found Digger’s structure to be quite similar. Stepping into the film’s world, I felt a sense of dread, as if we were being manipulated by forces beyond our control. Besides climate change, the most frightening aspect today is the possibility of being lost in a digital realm where distinguishing truth from falsehood is nearly impossible.”
Iñárritu echoed Kojima’s concerns, expressing his fear that we are losing our connection to a shared reality, instead living within “fragmented truths on our smartphones.” He noted that even discussions surrounding the film are driven more by external narratives than by the film itself. “People who haven’t even seen it yet have strong opinions about it. We live in a world where we hold firm beliefs about things we haven’t experienced.”
Kojima related this to his own experiences. “I created a game called Death Stranding, where players make deliveries, yet many who hadn’t played it labeled it as ‘just a walking simulator’ as if they had firsthand experience!” he shared. “That misconception still lingers, and it’s the aspect that frightens me the most. Additionally, with AI becoming integrated into social media, we’re only exposed to content that aligns with our preferences. We end up seeing only the opinions we agree with, while differing viewpoints never reach us.
“As AI becomes more prevalent, acting almost like a personal assistant, we risk finding ourselves in a situation where we only consume what we like or interact with those who share our views. It feels like we’re being manipulated, much like the characters in Digger. We don’t know who or what is pulling the strings. That’s the real horror, and it’s why I urge you to watch this film.”
Kojima’s passion for film is well-known, and as he explores the medium himself through collaborations, he’s been contemplating the similarities and differences between games and cinema. Much like his connection with the director of Backrooms, he sees a kindred spirit in Digger’s creator, both sharing concerns about the future. Perhaps once he wraps up his work on OD and Physint, he should consider a side gig as a film critic.
