Kurt Russell has given insight into why he turned down the role to voice Solid Snake in the iconic Metal Gear Solid video game series, despite his character Snake Plissken from Escape from New York being a major inspiration for the game's protagonist. In a GQ interview, Russell mentioned his preference for creating new characters rather than recreating old ones, emphasizing his identity as a "movie guy" and his dedication to original projects. The series ultimately went with David Hayter as the voice of Snake, while Russell remains focused on crafting unique characters without leveraging his established portrayals.

The Metal Gear Solid series itself is at a crossroads, with no new mainline games released since 2015's Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. However, Konami has begun releasing upgraded versions of some of the franchise's most popular games with rumors of more remasters on the horizon. The coming Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is highly anticipated by fans of the series.

Why did Kurt Russell refuse to voice Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid?

Kurt Russell declined to voice Solid Snake because he is committed to working on new characters and projects, rather than revisiting or expanding upon roles he's previously portrayed in films. He values originality and the creative process involved in establishing fresh, iconic characters.

Metal Gear Solid, created by Hideo Kojima, is renowned for its cinematic storytelling, stealth gameplay, and complex narratives. It has influenced the gaming industry since its debut in 1998, with the main character Solid Snake becoming a gaming icon. The original game has spawned several sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, cementing the franchise's legacy in gaming culture. Fans have long noted the similarities between Solid Snake and Kurt Russell's character Snake Plissken, which can be seen as a form of homage to the actor's work in "Escape from New York." This contextual connection adds depth to why Russell's potential involvement in the game series was an intriguing prospect for fans.