Metal Gear Solid is a massive success in the gaming industry. The title is synonymous with quality and immersion. No other game offers a cinematic experience quite like it. However if it is to step into to Hollywood territory it needs to deliver on all fronts, especially actors. Solid Snake was a man of epic proportions so an actor of exceptional ability is needed. Not only must he play the part well he must look a lot like the man as well. Given the plethora of actors available compiling this list was difficult, it could have easily been a Top 10. We feel 5 is enough for this type of article, so here is the Koku Gamer Top 5 Actors Who Could Play Solid Snake.
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell’s portrayal of “Snake Plissken” was the inspiration behind Kojima’s Solid Snake. He has played in many movies, and is quite accustomed to the rough tough guy stuff that Solid Snake is accustomed to. In Metal Gear Solid 2 there was an honorable mention, when Solid Snake told Raiden his name was Iroquois “Plisken.” His influence is clear in the MGS saga. Given that Kurt Russell is now getting along in age he would have to play Old Snake, he lacks the physicality needed to play the younger Snake. It most be said though; Gamers everywhere should be grateful for Kurt Russell and his movie Escape From New York, because Solid Snake wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for this movie.
Liam Neeson
This one is bias, because I’m a massive fan of Liam Neeson. There are credentials to his name though, the brutal hand to hand combat in Taken is textbook CQC from Metal Gear Solid. Not only that, his voice has that natural raspy edge to it. He doesn’t look too much like Solid Snake, and he seems a bit too tall to play the part. Still Liam Neeson kicking ass is an awesome sight, and he could kick major ass as Solid Snake.
Eric Bana
To the rest of the world Eric Bana is known for his portrayal of the Hulk and Hector in the movie Troy. In Australia he is more well known for his awesome portrayal of notorious underworld figure Mark “Chopper” Reid. It doesn’t matter what movie you know him for, Eric Bana is a very under rated actor. He was awesome in Munich, and most recently as Nero in Star Trek. His voice acting could be a let down, however in terms of on screen action Eric Bana would fit the part as good as any other.
David Hayter
The man who gave Solid Snake a voice, David Hayter’s voice is synonymous with anything Solid Snake. It would give fans a sense of nostalgia watching a real life actor playing their favorite video game hero and sounding exactly like him. Not only does he sound like him but he looks similar to him also. To fans of the series David Hayter is Solid Snake, but how would he stand as a lead in a big name action title? How would the general public feel about him? I feel Hayter could do him justice and he earns the number 2 spot.
Hugh Jackman
I personally cant think of anyone who could portray Solid Snake better than Hugh Jackman. He is a diverse actor who can play any part given to him, from a mutant with anger management issues to an Australian outback man. He gives 100% into all his roles and is very popular among the public. This would instantly mean more people will be drawn to the movie. He has it all; resemblance, voice, ability, everything. It’s for this reason Hugh Jackman is number 1.
I know people are going to wonder why Christian Bale missed out on the list, but there is a simple reason why he does. His Terminator flip out hurt his popularity among the general public. It’s unfortunate because he was really starting to get a roll on. The same thing happened to Russell Crowe, who was another candidate also.
Who do you think would play a great role of Snake? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section. No registration required to post.
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hugh jackman? you take Hugh Jackman!? you need to see the awful “wolverine”.
Between Bale or Crowe and Jackman,i take Bale or Crowe
Not Bale just because of the Terminator flip out?!? Let me let you in on a little secret…MOST actors are actually like that to begin with. The only reason they’re not called out on it is because no one actually recorded them with a tape recorder! Christian Bale would be an excellent choice to play Solid Snake…and please…take out Hugh Jackman. That would be terrible.
Umm dude, Hugh Jackman is not just in Wolverine… He was in other movies dumbass…….-_- Also Wolverine didnt suck
i’m all for david hayter
@ Anthony,
Bale is a great actor, and i thought he did a great job in Terminator, well the other main guy was even better I thought, but he would not make a great snake, just the personality isn’t there pal.
Viggo Mortensen or Josh Holloway.
All other suggestions are kind of uninspired.
How’s about, no Bale because he is terrible, he acts the same in every movie after American Psycho, if you wana see an actor that can fill any role just look at Jonny Depp, a stark contrast to Bale.
On topic, whatever actor ends up playing Snake, I probably wont be cool with, nobody can pull off Snake, David Hayter would probably be the best if he was able to do Snakes voice without making faces
tim roth anyone?
Razmossis:
what movies are you watching? watch equilibrium, harsh times, the machinist and rescue dawn and then tell me that christian bale acts the same in all his movies.
my pics would be bale, david boreanaz or give someone unkown a chance
oh btw bale totally eats a live snake in rescue dawn
clint eastwood would be prefect as old snake
Josh Brolin would do a great job ..
& Kurt Russell as Old Snake [Pliskin]
I think if Tom Cruise grows the right beard and hair style he would be perfect snake.
I’d go 100 % with kurt russell. Easiely one of the most under rayed actors ever. He would be a solid pick for the snake
Bale sucks. His acting IS all pretty much the same and he sucked as batman plus he is a out right asshole worse then most. Crow has gone to soft and cant play hardcore roles anymore. Hugh jackman just cant be taken serious enough for a serious row like this. He is to theater.
Hayter could do it justice
I listed Hugh Jackman to play Snake on IGN in May!
http://boards.ign.com/ps3_lobby/b8269/180198957/r180209731/
I’ll sue for copyright infringement! I’m calling my lawyer now… Lol I’m kidding, I’m kidding.
Visit my blog: blackpowerx.blogspot.com
David Hayter! He’s earned it, and actually could be made to look like snake without a big stretch of the imagination. Just pair him up with a wider known name for the villian; David should draw the fan base he’s already created, and producers can get new viewers by casting an established star as the bad guy – there’s a wealth of great villains in the story already, can rope in some character actors.
Lots of room for A list supporting roles too.
Use Kurt Russell cameo for Big Boss/flashbacks.
I totally agree, he has the voice, the look, and his name REALLY IS David. Snake reveals in MGS1 that his name is Dave short for David. Plus he had an interview at the beginning of MGS4. He could do it as long as noone sees that tattoo on his ear lol
Donald Sutherland would make the perfect Old Snake. As long as he doesn’t have to do much running, which he probably would have to.
I am with you all that think David Hayter should reprise the role. No one can fill that characters persona like the original. I don’t think that Hugh Jackman is a bad actor…I just don’t think that he would make a good Snake. And i’ve also noticed that nobody on this forum has mentioned Liam Neeson…incredible actor that can pretty much any role golden.
Clint Eastwood in his youth would have been the perfect fit.
i totally agree take a look at him in the good the bad and the ugly, its too bad he’s really old though
MWH Clint Eastwood would be perfect!! He was the original baddass. He would beat Chuck Norris
Clint Eastwood vs Chuck Norris?!? Even if Clint was in his younger days, I don’t think Eastwood would of come close to beating Chuck Norris! Clint Eastwood primarily uses guns…Chuck Norris pours milk on bullets and eats it like cereal!
thank you for not suggesting kiefer sutherland..
Chuck Norris ate .38 and .357 calibres, Clint Eastwood uses the .44, I dont think Chuck could handle a 44!!! Clint was the man, and he was scarier than Chuck. Chuck looks like a cute cuddly teddy bear, that could potentially end your life!!
EDIT: No problem dasd, he is awesome as Jack Bauer but hes no Solid Snake
Respectively, this article is lame. Have you seen Kurt Russel now? He looks nothing like snake. Not only that, most of these pics are older when these actors were alot younger such as the black and white David Hayter, Kurt, etc. Jackman looks hell alot more than Clint Eastwood to me when he was still doing his western movies. I care less for the other acters btw, im purty sure that you don’t want The Darknight to voice Solid Snake in a movie. LOL Anyway, this your opinion & article. ^_^
Wait, what…? WHAT!? You actually made Hugh Jackman – the biggest douche in hollywood – your actor of choice. Are you insane? And you validate your choice by saying he would attract a general audience? The general movie going public like Transformers… Transformers. I for one don’t want people referring to ‘Metal Gear Solid: The Movie’ as the new Hugh Jackman movie. Christian Bale would most definitely be my actor of choice. Sure, he was Batman in more than Batman, but he is a diverse actor. Machinist, Harsh Times, American Psycho, anyone?
Why the hate on Hugh Jackman? Because he’s actually a down to earth guy that tells it like it is? Or is it because he isn’t anything like your mainstream Hollywood douche bags? Please reason with me mate. I’m curious to find out why you guys hate him so much.
Christian Bale PLEASE. Come off it. He got outshone by another Aussie actor in Terminator. HE WAS JOHN CONNOR FFS!! THE STAR!! And a little known Aussie Actor stole the show from him!!!!
We love ya Hughy. AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!!
Oh yeah Dirt, Hugh Jackman is far more diverse than Christian Bale as an actor.
This is an obvious and blatant list of possible actors to play Snake. The perfect actor is in fact a man named MICHAEL FASSBENDER. He is in 300 and the upcoming film Centurian. He is perfect.
Aloe mate thats your opinion, not fact. To be honest the perfect guy to star as Solid Snake is…..Sold Snake. Stuff the movie play the game!!!!
Hugh Jackman?!?!?
There are so many potential candidates and he seriously chose Jackman…
What about Gerard Butler, Christian Bale, Robert Redford… there are hundreds.
And one more thing: Eastw(ould) kick Norris’s ass. Twice!
have Daniel Craig as liquid!
and Hugh jackman as snake, i couldnt think of a better snake than jackman
and simon pegg as otacon lmao
Kurt Russell all the way. Or Hayter!
no1 exept david hayter can do solid snake cuz no1 has his voice and will sound dumb as hell trying to
I think Kurt Russell is the man for the job.
Hugh Jackman and Clint Eastwood do have similarities in term of look, but Eastwood was the closest thing alive to Solid Snake, No other person can beat this, see for yourself:
http://img2.allposters.com/images/CLASS/847753.jpg
http://www.novaksblog.com/pictures/hollywood_stars_in_70s/clint_eastwood_1970.jpg
http://thebsreport.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/clint.jpg
Kurt Russell IS the man for the job. He IS snake, after all. Too bad he’s too old for it now..
and.. david hayter is the voice, but sure as hell aint the face. http://www.watchmenfansite.com/images/posts/david_hayter.jpg
Why not just make the whole movie CGI like Advant Children and have David Hayter do the voice work. I have a feeling no matter who they get to play Solid Snake in the live action movie, it just won’t do it justice. In my opinion, I still think if they were going to pick anyone from that list…it would have to be Liam Neeson. His resume is impressive.
How about Denzel Washington.
baddddddddddddddddd choices
Viggo
Great list, Hugh Jackman is the best choice!
We need a top five for Otacon now!
(not my fault, you did such a good job this time round!)
ANGELINA JOLIE!!!
Hugh jackman HANDS DOWN….
bale=snake
and the blond guy from 007=liquid
no doubt michael j. fox would be great
I wasn’t a fan of Tom Cruise for a long time, but it doesn’t surprise me to see him mentioned in the comments. His role as the cold-blooded tactical sociopath Vincent in Collateral convinced me he could pull of Snake, at least physically. Go back to Interview with the Vampire and his turn as Lestat is pretty much dead on for Liquid (arrogant/effeminate/gloriously mentally unbalanced). He could pull it off, but could fans of the series even not completely loathe him in the role?
i would say for old snake the only one who could pull it off is Clint Eastwood.. they have similar crude humor and voice
From the moment i saw sawyer from lost i instantly though this is the guy to play snake in a mgs movie – i mean dye his hair brown and you have got solid snake – the fact that the junglke settings remind me of mgs3 snake eater
Okay, I just returned to defend myself… If you honestly think Hugh Jackman is actually a better actor than Christian Bale, you obviously don’t know a thing about film. He was in one, one good film! (The Prestige) And guess who co-stared — Christian Bale, and he out staged him every scene.
Christian Bale’s “flipout” did nothing to hurt his popularity. If Terminator didn’t do as well as you think it should have its because it wasn’t a good movie. Bale is still the most bankable actor in Hollywood (fact) and is a fantastic actor to boot. Liam Neeson is the only person on this list that is a better actor but the chances of him taking this role are slim to none.
Now it may be because I live here in Aussie also, but I thought Australia was a good film, the first 2 Xmen movies were awesome also. Also Hugh Jackman won a Tony for theatre. Hugh Jackman is a beast, and hes Aussie. I like seeing Aussie actors really making strides too.
And yeah Dirty, why is Hugh Jackman a douche?
I think that Harrison Ford should be on the list for old Snake.
Kurt Russell
Would love to see this, but he’s too old going on 60!
Liam Neeson
Impressive in Taken and overall but doesn’t fit the profile.
Eric Bana
WTF?
David Hayter
Perfect… but ain’t gonna happen coz he’s no “famous star”. But would be a personal favorite.
Hugh Jackman
Has already Wolverine franchise and stuff… also he’s too hairy.
I have to say I agree with DirtyD. Everyone else really has to wizen up and stop naming the Hollywood actors who they have a crush on, Hugh Jackman. PLEASE!
Christian Bale would suit quite well, he can act just look at American Psycho, Harsh Times or The Machinest. He’s got what it takes to take on a meaningful role, this could be his break from mainstream 1 dimensional characters like Batman and Terminator Salvation. He had no room to move in those film, he portrayed the characters accurately.
If I’m completely honest I’d much prefer if they used a nameless actor (an unheard of actor) so then we wouldn’t associate them with any other roles.
“MetalGearSolid: The Movie” should be more of a cult classic than a mainstream hit, the games at first weren’t exactly mainstream, when they first appeared on the Playstation 1. So don’t try and make it the next mainstream hit. Leave that to the “Halo Movie”. To OP: Your list actually made me laugh, if this was a comedic blog post you achieved your goal, if not it was complete fail stop spewing your opinion to the world.
Anyone that doesn’t think Christian Bale is a good actor should look up the movies he has been in on IMDB.com
here…
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000288/
read the movies and the diverse roles.
Epic fail all of these guys aren´t able to play as snake, there is only one man that can play as snake and he his Tom Cruise.
@ Anthony,
Thank you mate, that’s exactly my thought, any video game movie should be CG it’s just better that way.
I think Christian Bale or Keanu Reeves could definitely do it
Good article.
Ian W.
Shia LaBoeuf
omg Shia LaBoeuf/Keanu Reeves they are pussys comapred to clint eastwood/Hugh Jackman/David Hayter they faces like babys kids ..
for me i vote David Hayter vecause hes the perfect in this role + bear and stuff
Clint Eastwood would have been perfect back in the day. Christian Bale would be rubbish
CHARLIE SHEEN, MARTIN SHEEN, and EMILIO ESTEVEZ. LOCK
I thought Hayter would be a bit short to play Solid Snake, but his Bio says he is 6’1″. I’ve met him and I don’t remember him being taller than me and I am 5’10″
Eric
You need to learn how to write an article that’s not purely based on your opinion. get some more reasons to your list plx.
Eddie Izzard… now that would make a great and flamboyant film!
Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost) seems to fit the role, appearance-wise AND voice.
when all else fails, there’s always Chuck Norris.
I know he’s a probably a little to old but how about Michael Biehn. A shot of him as Kyle Reese in the movie The Terminator was reproduced as the cover-art of the video game Metal Gear for NES back in the day. He’s always been kinda typecasted as a soldier anyways so let him have at it.
How about clive owen? Hugh jack isn’t a bad actor. Have you seen the prestige? Or swordfish? Plus dudes in shape! Christian bale should just play batman his voice is the same in every movie he is in!
So people are dissing Hugh Jackman, but on turn, the say TOM CRUISE is a good choice? Come on, guys. Use at least 2 more neurons.
Hugh Jackman would be a perfect third choice for Snake, with Gerard Butler being second and Christian Bale being the very first.
Putting Chuck Norris in Snake’s role would be turning Metal Gear Solid into Walker: Stealth Ranger. And Clint Eastwood would actually do a fricking awesome Old Snake, yes.
how about CLIVE OWENS?
Liev Schrieber, he could even direct it and save some cash that way.
Isn’t Snake supposed to be a bit older? Gabriel Byrne could pull it off, if he can bang a chick in a full suit of armor, he can do anything! Go watch Excalibur if you want to be impressed!
Hugh Jackman for the win..
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christian bale would probably be a better candidiate rather than hayter. doesn’t matter if he’s a dick or not, he’s a great actor and he completely immerses himself in any role that he is casted in.
the people hating on hugh jackman simply because wolverine was terrible couldn’t see past the fact that he was a good actor stuck in a shitty movie.
david hayter.
If you are gonna do it right, it has to be Hugh! OH PLEASE BE HUGH!
Vincent Cassel is a shoe in.
Depending on which age he is supposed to be, like the earlier MGS or the later. I would say Liam Neisen (sp?) don’t believe me, watch the movie Taken.
did anyone watch Guyver 2?
If only it were possible to make him younger, Clint Eastwood would be one of the best Solid Snake’s ever. Hell, if its possible, make him be Old snake.
It has to be Josh Holloway from LOST!!!
Although I heard he was asked and rejected…
they don’t necessarily need an A list actor, just someone who looks and sounds exactly like him (who can also act) kurt russel could do solidus, but i disagree with the rest of the lineup
please don’t make a mgs movie, lord… it’s so much more deserving of a super high production tv or straight-to-dvd series. i don’t see why people wouldn’t line up to see it if they put them in theaters. i can’t see even 1/4th of one of the games being summed up in 2 hours. i trust hideo kojima to make things happen right, that series is like his baby
tom cruise
Hands Down it has to be Sean Bean
Wrong Bean. Michael Biehn should play Snake as long as we have a time machine and pull him from his Aliens days.
I could settle for him playing Old Snake.
How about Sean Claude Van Dame?
hugh jackman is the man!!!!!
i think Hugh Jakcman is a great actor and a cool guy so he is my number one too!!
Michael Biehn
Hands Down it has to be Sean Bean.
WBR, Alex
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Liam Neeson is the best choice offered here far and away. Snake is older now and Neeson is still in good enough shape to pull off the super spy with little effort.
What about Zachary Quinto? Sylar from Heroes and (young) Spock in Star Trek?
Ian W.
I like neeson. and Harrison ford for old Snake
No one noticed that David Hayter’s picture is next to Big Boss and not Solid Snake?
@A friend,
And who was Solid Snake a clone of?
David Hayter. FTW.
8D
LIAM NEESON should definitely play the old snake from his attitude “Taken” i truly believe he got some snake blood in him!!
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Bale would be fine, as would Hugh Jackman and even Gerard Butler or Eric Bana. There have been some pretty lame suggestions on here, Sawyer for example, I would like someone playing Solid Snake to be able to fire a weapon without blinking like they have turrets. Too many Hollywood actors are cast in roles as “bad asses” but blink like little girls every time they depress the trigger, completely ruining the ambience/atmosphere…
Hugh Jackman or David Hayter both could portray Snake beautifully. I agree that Kurt Russel would be perfect for Big Boss flashbacks or even Old Snake if they went that route
surprised samuel jackson isn’t there, I mean, just for the heck of it xD
liam neeson would be so unexpected but perfect -love that guy
Go back in time and get a young Clint Eastwood D:
josh holloway!
Solid Snake = Michael Bien all the way.
Come on guys, This role clearly belongs to Kurt Russell. Honestly, Soldier was not that long ago. And correct me if i’m wrong, but didn’t a Sylvester stallone at 62 years of age, run through a well heated jungle like an olympic sprinter. He can still do Solid snake, like you said just pushing 60. Buff him up, get him in shape. And bingo, there is your solid snake.
@Metal Gear Solid fan
True, but Stallone was playing a much older Rambo. Russell would be playing a young Snake, which regardless of how ripped you get him, he won’t look like.
I really don’t agree with the idea off Metal Gear Solid Movie made with real people. Stick with CGI, computer graphic or whatever it is just like Final Fantasy. Just keep David Hayter to do Snake’s voice. None of the above character matches Solid Snake’s facial appearance, especially David Hayter (sorry). Have you watch Far Cry movie? The actor kinda stink, and I don’t wanna humiliate my favourite character (Solid Snake).
There only three actors that can pull it off and make Kojima and sony pictures lots of money and they are Hugh Jackman, David Hayter, and Eric Bana(Have u seen him on BlackHawk down?)
oh yeah and for oselot, liquid, or older snake Mickey Rourke would be really good for any of those
Why would anyone want Christian Bale to play Solid Snake? After his performance as John Connor which was basically recycling his Batman voice, I really don’t see Bale make a great Solid Snake
What does Bale have that makes anyone think he can play Solid Snake?
Hugh Jackman is obviously the runaway winner
Wolverine is basically Snake with claws for idiots that don’t know…and K.Russell would make a great Old Snake
Another obvious choice for a cast would be Sean Bean as Liquid, he even has that accent
Solid Snake & Liquid Snake would need to be played by the same actor, as they are genetically identical clones! I think an unknown actor would work better for playing the legendary Solid Snake, but if famous actors were to be cast, my vote goes to Viggo Mortensen or (for a younger Snake) Milo Ventimiglia!
Ok Hugh Jackman looks and sounds like Snake, but how bout Jared Padelecki he also looks like him, and has da same hair. Plus he kicks ass n Supernatural.
Has anyone heard of a bollywood actor called Hrithik Roshan? I think he would make an excellent solid snake! Snake is both a serious and a comical/sarcastic character and needs to be played by someone who is not just an ‘action hero’ but who can actually act as well! I saw this guy in a film and he was great – film was called Mission Kashmir, look it up!
Also, same actor (hrithik roshan) different film, look up images for a film called Krrish
Either David Hayter or Sean Bean . End of !
Problem is, is that isn’t Solid Snake… That’s Naked Snake, from Metal Gear Solid 3, or rather, Solid Snake’s daddy
Anyways, yeah, anyone who can pull off the badass look.
Liam neeson could play big boss when he is old =]
That looks so cool. Thanks for sharing with us.
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johnny depp or eric bana or leonardo dicaprio
Thomas Jane, he’d be great in it. Hes got the deep voice and hes a pretty good actor just look at The Mist and the punisher.
From real life legends like Oskar Schindler and Michael Collins to classic literature’s Jean Valjean, and even the modern day antihero Darkman, actor Liam Neeson’s masterful characterizations of flawed men capable of extraordinary things established him as a performer of great note, while managing to bring an uncommon humble grace to his profession.
i would like to give my vote to my favorite Eric Bana…..the solid Troy Man..he was awesome in that movie..he played a very good role..he most suitable for this role
I still think if they were going to pick anyone from that list…it would have to be Liam Neeson. His resume is impressive.
I have a feeling no matter who they get to play Solid Snake in the live action movie, it just won’t do it justice.
Bale is still the most bankable actor in Hollywood (fact) and is a fantastic actor to boot. Liam Neeson is the only person on this list that is a better actor but the chances of him taking this role are slim to none.