Konami has finally revealed the new voice actor for Snake in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and it seems for now we can put this story to rest. Kiefer Sutherland will take up the role of Snake in MGS V. Kojima explained that they wanted an appropriately middle aged actor to match the current version of Snake, who will be 49 years old. “Therefore, we needed someone who could genuinely convey both the facial and vocal qualities of a man in his late 40s. It’s different from anything we’ve done before.”
This may not necessarily confirm that David Hayter is completely out of the picture, as last week he claimed being excited for E3, making a joke about losing his voice (although he may have just lost his voice to Sutherland). Also, colleague Gary Swaby pointed out in the comments section that this game may lead up to the introduction of a younger Solid Snake. If Kojima is adamant of having a middle-aged Snake portrayed by a proportionately aged actor, then perhaps the situation will be similar to the Arkham Origins voice-actor change-up, except Kiefer Sutherland is adopting the role of an older Snake.
That said, I just want to point out that David Hayter is 44 years old—only five years younger than Snake in MGS V. Whatever.
