Ishmael Is Big Boss
As it turns out, the man with bandages covering his face named Ishmael was Big Boss. Ishmael would help Venom Snake, who he referred to as Ahab at the time (both names are a reference to Moby Dick) to escape from the hospital and away from the pursuing XOF forces. When Outer Heaven came into being and the truth came out, Venom Snake would assume control while Miller would work towards eventually rebelling and helping Solid Snake. Meanwhile, Big Boss would control FOXHOUND, and work on building the real Outer Heaven [most likely Zanzibar Land].
The story of Ishmael in real life is a twisted mess involving Kojima carrying a face mask in the style of bandages around and pretending to be the “creator” of The Phantom Pain and using as many Moby Dick references as possible. Did we mention that Big Boss was revealed to be alive during this entire deception when Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots came about? That’s Kojima for you.
