Tommie Earl Jenkins (Die-Hardman) talks about his experience working on Death Stranding
Shortly after the release of the latest Death Stranding trailer, actor Tommie Earl Jenkins, who plays Die-Hardman in the game, hosted a live video stream to thank everyone for the support. He also took some questions from viewers, and while he couldn’t give too much information on the game for obvious reasons, he did talk a bit about his experience working on the project with Hideo Kojima and the other members of the cast. He said he was surprised that he actually got to meet Kojima face to face, and had lunch with him as well during the recording sessions.
Tommie Earl Jenkins was asked what he thought was the best part about working with mo-cap. He answered: “It pretty much was like filming a movie. You know, on a set and learning your lines, blocking it all out, working with an incredible cast: you know, Norman, Mads, everybody… Troy, Emily, all those people… absolutely incredible to work with. And very very very high talent. So I feel very honored, very privileged to have been a part of this incredible project.”
How was it to work with Kojima-san? “The most incredible experience. And no, you are not ready. Kojima, hats off the the master. The king, man. He is incredible. With such passion, and so much drive, and so creative, and his vision. I feel so, so honored to have been able to have the time to work with this incredible genius who I had not worked with before. And yes, Kojima is god.”
On the name Die-Hardman: “I think that there is a reason behind everyone’s name, the funny names. I think there’s a reason for everything. I don’t think that Kojima does anything that is for the sake of doing it. I think that he thinks about everything, everything has a place, everything has a reason and all I can say is: all will probably be revealed once you start playing this game.”
Describe your character in a single word: “Badass.”
How can you describe Kojima while directing? “Master.”
Is this game going to be a masterpiece in your opinion? “I think the game is a masterpiece. The man who made it is a master, so therefore only creates masterworks.”
How was working with Norman and Mads? “Together these two are dynamite. I have nothing but the greatest respect for both of these actors and I feel honored and privileged to be working alongside them.”
On Troy Baker: “Obviously, Troy is a legend. And obviously, anybody who knows his work will agree that the man is pretty phenomenal.”
Will we see some of your own personality in this character? “Yeah, I think so.”
Does your character play a big role? “You better believe it, yes.”
Can you give us your favorite line in the game? “I can not give you a favorite line, but I’ll… ‘Sam, Sam, Sam!’” [From this answer it kind of sounds like like Death Stranding will have its own version of ‘Snake? Snake? Snake!’.]
Will you be a villain in the game? “Who knows?”
Have you ever played a Kojima game? “I have not, but I will be running out to start now.”
Would you work with him again? “In a heartbeat.”
Can you describe Kojima in a single word if possible? “In a single word? […] Incredible.”
Can you describe Death Stranding in three words? “Quite unbelievably incredible.”
What do you think about how Kojima directs actors? “He has a very unique way of working and getting information to you and out of you.”
Do you think the game is unique, different from all others? “I believe so. I believe so. I think, those who’ve had the opportunity to experience have all said it’s not like anything they’ve ever experienced before.”
Are you the boss [of Sam]? “That’s kind of how people are seeing and being interpreted, I think that’s how Kojima puts it.”
How was your last day on set? “For me it was emotional, in terms of, you know, finishing a long gig. So like anything, I always have a moment, because I think we all put a lot of work into what we do, and it’s always sad to say goodbye, but, you know, at the end of the day we move on.”
To see the entire video, follow the link in the source section below.
