![Director Kojima poses for a photo with actress Cate Blanchett, known for films such as “Carol.” This person has even been rumored among fans to be the inspiration for “The Boss” [Hideo Next Door]](/imgs/p/JIxo87wJh5Y_xgjF1boGNUXVYNtu3dzb2tnY/51866.jpg)
![Director Kojima poses for a photo with actress Cate Blanchett, known for films such as “Carol.” This person has even been rumored among fans to be the inspiration for “The Boss” [Hideo Next Door]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/51866.jpg)
![Director Kojima poses for a photo with actress Cate Blanchett, known for films such as “Carol.” This person has even been rumored among fans to be the inspiration for “The Boss” [Hideo Next Door]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/51867.jpg)
![Director Kojima poses for a photo with actress Cate Blanchett, known for films such as “Carol.” This person has even been rumored among fans to be the inspiration for “The Boss” [Hideo Next Door]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/51868.png)
When you look at the photos Director Hideo Kojima, the game creator, posts on social media, there’s almost always someone standing right next to him, isn’t there? Film directors, actors, game creators—and sometimes even mysterious figures. In this series, “Hideo Next Door,” we’ll take an in-depth look at the “people next to him.”
To be honest, the ultimate goal of the Game*Spark writers penning this “Hideo Next Door” series is to one day stand next to Director Hideo Kojima, have our photo taken with him, and appear as a character in “A HIDEO KOJIMA GAME.”We’ll be bringing you this irregular series until that long-cherished dream comes true.
This installment of “The Person Next to Director Kojima” features Cate Blanchett!
Cate Blanchett is an actress from Australia. She is also active as a producer, having co-founded Dirty Films with her husband, Andrew Upton.
She achieved worldwide fame for her portrayal of Elizabeth I in the 1998 film *Elizabeth*. She later played Galadriel in *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy.
She has also continued to appear in numerous productions to this day, including her role as Irina Spalko, a KGB agent who opposes Dr. Jones, in *Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull*.
In the gaming world, she also played the role of Lilith in the 2024 live-action film adaptation of *Borderlands*.In an interview with the international media outlet Empire at the time, she admitted she was unfamiliar with video game controls, saying, “My thumbs can’t even handle a cell phone,” but revealed that she had purchased a PS5 and played the main game to prepare for the role.
In fact, Kate Blanchett wasn’t the only person pictured next to Director Kojima this time. He also posted a photo taken with film directors David Zelners and Nathan Zelners, known as the Zelners brothers.They are known for co-directing the 2018 film *Damsels* and the 2024 film *Sasquatch Sunset*.
They are also working on *Alpha Gang*, set for release in 2026. Dirty Films is involved in the production of *Alpha Gang*, and Cate Blanchett herself appears in the film. Director Kojima has also posted images from *Alpha Gang*, so it’s likely that this gathering came about through that connection.
Incidentally, *Alpha Gang* is being screened as part of the “39th Tokyo International Film Festival.” It appears that a talk show featuring the Zerner brothers and Cate Blanchett took place at the October 30 screening. It’s possible that during their visit to Japan for this event, they stopped by the Kojima Productions office for some reason.
Relationship with Hideo Kojima
Based on my research, I was unable to find any records indicating that Director Kojima and Ms. Blanchett had a prior friendship. It’s also unclear exactly how this photo shoot came about.
However, Director Kojima did mention Kate Blanchett’s name on one occasion. That was in this 2014 post.
Regarding “The Boss” from *Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater*, released in 2004, speculation had been circulating among some fans that Cate Blanchett might have served as the model. In response to those rumors, Kojima explained that the image he actually had in mind was that of actress Charlotte Rampling.
Another event that may have served as an opportunity for the two to connect was the 2020 Venice Film Festival. Director Kojima served as a juror in the VR section, while Cate Blanchett served as the president of the jury for the main competition.
What are the chances she’ll appear in Hideo Kojima’s new game…?
The probability of Kate Blanchett appearing in Hideo Kojima’s new game is 70% (calculated using a proprietary formula devised by Spa-kun). She is known worldwide as a renowned actress, and her appearance in a game would certainly generate significant buzz. Furthermore, there is no doubt about her ability to portray a major character.
Even though Director Kojima has denied it, the fact that someone who was once rumored to be the model for “The Boss” is finally set to appear in one of his works… would certainly make this a special event in its own right.
On the other hand, the probability for the Zerner brothers is a somewhat lower 35% (calculated using Spa-kun’s proprietary formula). This takes into account the fact that their primary profession is directing, as well as the lack of confirmed connections with Director Kojima.
Time flies—there are only two months left in 2026. It’s been a year full of surprises for fans of Director Hideo Kojima, including the commotion surrounding *PHYSINT*, but when it comes to year-end highlights, *The Game Awards* is undoubtedly the main event. We’re eagerly awaiting to see if any new updates on *OD* or *PHYSINT* will be revealed.
Stay tuned for the next installment of “Hideo Next Door”!
