Kojima Productions’ next game is OD, which is exclusive to Xbox, but Physint, a PlayStation-exclusive, is arguably more intriguing. It marks director Hideo Kojima’s first title in the stealth action genre since Metal Gear Solid. However, while gameplay details remain scarce, further story and casting details may have emerged.
MP1st reportedly spotted new casting calls under the codename “Shimmer” with Mari Ueda of Pivot Motion (which worked on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach) serving as casting director. The described scene allegedly involves a hijacked bus with multiple passengers, including a mother and her baby, various teenagers, and so on.
It’s the last reported requirement that’s so interesting – an “antagonistic character with a German accent.” Apparently described as “Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal but with flair”, he’s reportedly slim, quiet, “intense” and “confident in a psychotic way.” Shooting allegedly starts in June, though the fact that so many showcases and events are taking place at the same time is likely a sheer coincidence.
However, this is unlikely to be a major villain akin to, say, Higgs from Death Stranding. Such details don’t typically emerge in casting calls (but rather through Kojima’s own announcements). Whether this scene is even for the game remains to be seen, but it’s at least indicative that production is underway.
While it was in the conceptual stage last year, Kojima confirmed that it and OD would be a major focus for the company in 2026. Thus far, three actors have been announced – Charlee Fraser, Ma Dong-Seok and Minami Hamabe. Could the year hold even more reveals? Stay tuned in the meantime.
