Hideo Kojima has disclosed that he cast Margaret Qualley for the role of Mama in Death Stranding after being captivated by her performance in a Spike Jonze-directed fragrance commercial.

Sharing the viral advertisement in a tweet earlier today, April 25, Kojima stated: "I saw this and immediately offered her the role of Mama (Lockne) in Death Stranding."

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

In Death Stranding, Qualley portrays Mama (Målingen), a brilliant Bridges scientist and one of America's leading inventors working across the United Cities. Alongside her twin sister Lockne - also played by Qualley - she developed the revolutionary Chiral Network, Bridges' instant data transmission system.

The Kenzo fragrance advertisement showcases Qualley performing a mesmerizing yet unconventional dance routine filled with exaggerated movements, facial expressions, and even imaginary laser beams shooting from her fingertips. One particularly striking sequence shows her dancing while seemingly battling to control her own limbs.

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

"Only you could make such inspired casting decisions, Kojima-san," responded one admirer, while another joked: "I do this dance every morning before coffee - when's my audition?"

Kojima is currently developing multiple projects including Death Stranding 2 (launching June 26, 2025), the A24-produced Death Stranding film adaptation, and OD - an Xbox-published title he describes as "my lifelong passion project." The visionary creator is also working on an unannounced PlayStation-exclusive action espionage game.