The possibility of a Metal Gear Solid movie has been a rumor as far back as 2006 when series creator Hideo Kojima confirmed there was a film adaptation in the works. The Metal Gear franchise is known for its in-depth writing that managed to capture attention the world over, suggesting it’d make a good movie. It wasn’t until recently, however, that any real progress on the film was revealed: In December 2020, it was announced that Oscar Isaac will be playing Solid Snake— that, coupled with Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kong: Skull Island) being confirmed as the director, is the only definitive information available about the film thus far.
While fans wait on more details, they may be wondering which ending the film’s creators will go with. Will they choose the ending where Snake endures Revolver Ocelot’s torture and saves Meryl Silverburgh? Or will he succumb to Ocelot, which ultimately leads to Meryl’s death while Snake escapes with Dr. Hal “Otacon” Emmerich? There are several compelling reasons for each ending but only time will tell which makes it through.
10 MERYL: Meryl Surviving Is The Canon Ending For Metal Gear Solid
Although it’s likely that Meryl survived the Shadow Moses incident regardless of which ending players get, saving her is still ultimately the canon ending for the game. It’s also the ending that game developers likely thought players would get by default.
Revolver Ocelot— who would eventually become of the biggest characters in the entire franchise— openly threatens Meryl’s life during the torture scene and knowing Snake’s legendary toughness likely compelled players to believe that Snake could live through the torture without getting a Game Over. For Snake to give in would be against his character.
9 OTACON: Snake & Otacon Bond Over The Course Of The Game
Despite Snake’s initial annoyance with Otacon’s naivete when they first meet, he nevertheless becomes attached to Otacon by the end of the game. Some players are more compelled by Snake’s friendship with Otacon than his romantic feelings for Meryl, leading them to want Snake to deepen his bond with Otacon.
Accordingly, the Otacon ending rewards fans of Otacon and Snake’s friendship by having them complete the mission and escape together.
8 MERYL: Snake Falls In Love With Meryl, Making It Hard To Submit
While their time together on Shadow Moses is short, Snake nevertheless develops feelings for Meryl. It’s no secret that Snake occasionally poses as a womanizer and flirts with some of his lady contacts during the games, so it’s not surprising that he became attached.
Hearing Ocelot threaten Meryl’s life during the torture scene no doubt steeled his resolve to make it through and keep her safe. It’s tough to believe that Snake would give up considering her life is at stake.
7 OTACON: It’ll Be More Interesting Than A Typical “Hero Saves The Girl” Ending
Snake standing up to Ocelot’s torture and saving Meryl at the end of the game follows a tried-and-true Hollywood movie method that’s consistently raked in heaps of money. And not only that, but it definitely makes Snake look cooler as a result.
But the film’s adaptation team has the golden opportunity to challenge that trope and turn it on its head. Having Snake make it out alive with a new best friend is a fresh ending for the old military hero trope.
6 MERYL: The Canon Ending Allows For Future Metal Gear Solid Game-Based Films
Since Meryl’s survival allows for the events of Metal Gear Solid 4, choosing the canon ending will leave the door open for future Metal Gear Solid films based on the games.
It’s possible for future movies to exist with the Otacon ending too, but the creative team will need to carefully explain Meryl’s survival and make sure they don’t create any logical inconsistencies. Of course, there’s also the option to create an entirely alternate timeline. In terms of energy conservation, it’s best to leave Meryl alive if future films are on the table.
5 OTACON: Grieving Over Meryl Shows A More Human Side To Snake
The thought of losing Meryl is too much for Snake to handle and he has an emotional breakdown over it at the end of the game. Since Otacon also lost Sniper Wolf, whom he believed he loved, he was able to bond with Snake over losing someone he loved as well.
This scene shows a much more human side to Snake, making his personality more nuanced than a tough, battle-hardened soldier who always wins. Otacon’s speech during this scene is also inspiring in its wisdom.
4 MERYL: It’s The Safer Choice In Terms Of The Original Material
Many fans are probably expecting a faithful adaptation of the source material, indicating it might be safest for the film’s team to go with the canon ending. Any adaptation or reboot of a popular fictional franchise like Metal Gear is subjected to harsh criticism on many fronts.
Failing to follow through on a source material’s canon story is a common complaint, so it might be best for the movie to go through with the Meryl ending instead of Otacon.
3 OTACON: It’ll Give Some Fans An Ending They Always Wanted
As far as fan reactions go, Meryl’s survival as the canon ending was once a hotly contested debate. Many players were more impressed by Snake’s relationship with Otacon over Meryl, and losing Meryl certainly adds a richer depth to Snake’s character.
While it’s risky to go through with the non-canon ending, it also gives the film’s producers the opportunity to give fans a canon ending they always wanted. It’d certainly be a bold, unconventional choice that could be well-received— or ruin the possibility of future films.
2 MERYL: The Infinity Bandana Can Be Used In The Film
Depending on which ending players achieved, they received a special item from either Meryl or Otacon. When Meryl survives, she gives Snake the Infinity Bandana, an item that Snake can use on his next playthrough which allows for him to have infinite ammo for every weapon.
If the Metal Gear movie chooses the Meryl ending, they can implement the bandana somewhere in the film. The Infinity Bandana became Snake’s favorite bandana, making it as iconic to his character as smoking a cigarette.
1 OTACON: The Stealth Camouflage Gear Can Be Used In The Film
Otacon’s special gift for Snake after the ending credits roll is the Stealth Camouflage, or Stealth Camo for short. The Stealth Camo is one of Otacon’s finest achievements at the time of Shadow Moses, as it’s a special suit that makes its wearer virtually invisible by bending light around the suit.
Players can start a new game with the Stealth Camo and it’s possible to get both the Stealth Camo and Infinity Bandana with multiple playthroughs. The Stealth Camo is another iconic piece of Snake’s equipment and choosing the Otacon ending could potentially allow it to be used by Snake in the film.
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