- Primary Subject: PHYSINT
- Key Update: A leaked casting call under the code name "Shimmer" describes a slim, intense villain with a thick German accent similar to Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal.
- Status: Confirmed (Casting call existence) / Leaked (Character details)
- Last Verified: April 13, 2026
- Quick Answer: PHYSINT’s villain is described as a slim, quietly intense, and "psychotically confident" character with a thick German accent, potentially hinting at a European setting.
A supposed casting call for Hideo Kojima’s upcoming project PHYSINT has potentially revealed some hints about the stealth game’s villain.
PHYSINT is a collaboration between Kojima Productions and PlayStation. The project marks Kojima’s return to the action-espionage genre, which has many fans itching for more details. Info about the game has largely been kept under wraps, and to date, the only thing that's public knowledge is parts of the cast, which includes Charlee Fraser, Don Lee, and Minami Hamabe.
However, new information regarding a casting call has hinted at what kind of character PHYSINT's villain might be.
Details on Casting Calls for PHYSINT Hint at Game’s Villain
In a report from MP1st, it was revealed that casting call details for PHYSINT have been unearthed, with information about the director and initial code name coming to light.
Using the internal code name “Shimmer” for casting purposes, Mari Ueda was tapped as the casting director for PHYSINT. Ueda is the founder of Pivot Motion and worked with Kojima on Death Stranding 2.
The call also featured details for multiple characters, including several passengers trapped in a hijacked bus. Some featured passengers include a mother with her newborn baby, five teens of different ethnicities, two male passengers, and a villain with a thick German accent.
READ MORE: Kojima and Zampella Nearly Reinvented Metal Gear as an FPS
Of all these characters, it’s the villain that stands out. According to the casting call, they are seeking a voice that is like “Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal but with flair.” The character’s build is slim, and his personality is quiet but intense and “confident in a psychotic way.”
Since there was an emphasis on the voice having a German accent, it has caused many to wonder where the story will be set. While it seems natural to expect a European setting, there are no further details to support this theory. It is also unknown if the villain in the casting call will be the main antagonist, as Kojima tends to hire A-listers for lead roles.
Also, since Kojima Productions hasn’t released a trailer yet, it’s unknown if the casting is for a specific request for a future reveal or for a major role.
When Will PHYSINT Be Released?
Currently, there is no official release date for PHYSINT. However, it’s expected to be released in 2030 or 2031.
Shooting for PHYSINT is expected to start in June 2026. However, just because it will start this year doesn’t mean it will be done soon. For reference, motion capture for Death Stranding 2 started in 2022, and the game was officially released in 2026.
READ MORE: Hideo Kojima's PHYSINT Won't Come Out Until 2030
During an interview with Le Film Francais in May 2025, Kojima revealed that his project would take him around five or six years to complete. This means the release window would be in 2030 or 2031, likely becoming a PlayStation 6 title.
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