Kurt Russell Explains Why He Wouldn’t Voice Snake in Metal Gear Solid

Kurt Russell Reveals Why He Wouldn’t Voice Snake Plissken in Metal Gear Solid

Kurt Russell’s renowned portrayal of Snake Plissken in John Carpenter’s iconic film “Escape from New York” has had a lasting impact on popular culture, particularly in the gaming world. Of noteworthy significance, Snake’s character in the Metal Gear Solid video game series drew inspiration from Russell’s memorable performance. Hideo Kojima, the creator of the series, openly admired Carpenter’s filmography, which led him to incorporate Snake’s codename, eyepatch, and tough demeanor into the game’s protagonist. Kojima made a specific reference to this homage in “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,” giving Snake the additional codename of Iroquois Pliskin.

Russell’s Potential Voice Role in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

In an intriguing twist, it has emerged that Kojima had considered Kurt Russell to provide the voice for Snake in the game “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.” However, it should be clarified that Russell would have been portraying the character “Naked Snake,” distinct from the iconic “Solid Snake” persona voiced by English-language artist David Hayter.

Russell’s Reason for Declining the Offer

In a recent video interview with Russell by GQ, the popular actor discussed his reluctance to lend his voice to the beloved character. Russell candidly explained, “Look, I’m naturally quite lazy. There have been numerous occasions where people have wanted me to do something, but, you know, I’m a movie guy. You have to understand that, from my perspective, whether it’s Elvis, Snake Plissken, Jack Burton, or R.J. MacReady, each role is its own project. You delve into that mindset. You create that world, and you aspire to bring it to life.”

Russell further elaborated, drawing from his experience with his role in the 1979 biopic “Elvis,” stating, “I used to do interviews during the release of ‘Elvis,’ and they would say, ‘Come on, do a little Elvis for us.’ It doesn’t work that way. You can’t just slip in and out of Elvis. You need to work on it, refine it, and then perform it. And above all, you need to get paid for your work. I come from a different era. I have no interest in ‘exploiting’ a character or profiting from something that we, or I, have created.”

Fidelity to John Carpenter’s Legacy

Russell highlighted another crucial aspect that guided his decision not to revisit his iconic character in a slightly different video game version. He explained, “When I read a script, I have to breathe in the essence of John, as he isn’t here to do this. I won’t do that. Instead, let’s create something new, something fresh, another legendary character, instead of relying on the success of an iconic character to take us forward.”

The Snake Plissken Legacy

While Russell declined to voice Snake in the Metal Gear Solid games that followed “Escape from New York” and “Escape from LA,” it is worth noting that he did reprise his role as Snake Plissken in the sequel to the original film, “Escape from LA.” This demonstrates that Russell is not averse to returning to beloved characters. Let us not forget that he also starred in two sequels to “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” and has portrayed the role of Santa Claus multiple times.

A Captivating Interview

If you’re eager to peer more closely into the extensive repertoire of Kurt Russell, be sure to watch the captivating interview with GQ. Delight in his captivating breakdown of his involvement in John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and his remarkable performances in a trio of Quentin Tarantino’s movies. Russell’s amusing jabs in the box office showdown between dueling Westerns, “Tombstone” and “Wyatt Earp,” are also worth your time.