Hideo Kojima disclosed that he cast Margaret Qualley as Mama in Death Stranding after being impressed by her performance in a Spike Jonze-directed perfume commercial.

Earlier today on April 25, Kojima shared the viral ad on Twitter, stating: "After seeing this, I immediately offered her the role of Mama (Lockne) in Death Stranding."

The commercial features Qualley dancing energetically to a bass-heavy track, reminiscent of Fat Boy Slim's iconic "Weapon of Choice" music video starring a nimble Christopher Walken.

In Kojima Productions' Death Stranding, Qualley portrays Mama (Målingen), a brilliant Bridges scientist who pioneered revolutionary technology across the United Cities of America. Alongside her twin sister Lockne—also played by Qualley—she developed the Chiral Network, Bridges' instantaneous data transmission system.

The Kenzo ad showcases Qualley performing an eccentric, meticulously choreographed routine—twitching, grimacing, and even shooting finger lasers at one point. Another segment captures her dancing while seemingly battling for control of her limbs. The full surreal yet captivating performance can be viewed below:

I saw this and offered her the role of Mama (Lockne) in Death Stranding. https://t.co/UDJa2NjbO6

— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) April 25, 2025

"Kojima-san, your vision is unparalleled," praised one fan, while another joked: "I do this routine every morning. When's my casting call?"

Currently, Kojima is developing Death Stranding 2 (releasing June 26, 2025), the A24-produced live-action Death Stranding film, and Xbox's OD—which he calls his "dream project." He's also creating an unannounced PlayStation-exclusive espionage title.