Over the past twenty years, the identity of the woman behind EVA has come into focus Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater has been a well-kept secret. The actor who gets the role is Suzetta Miñet, but that name is a pseudonym for a much better known voice-over artist, a new video from Konami advertising the upcoming Metal Gear Solid3 remake reveals.
The third episode of the Metal Gear Solid Legacy Series, hosted by David Hayter, reveals that the actor behind EVA (aka Tatyana) Snake eater is Jodi Benson. She is best known for her roles as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Barbie in Pixar’s Toy Story franchise. Benson said in a conversation with Hayter and Lori Alan (the voice of the Boss) that the choice to go with a pseudonym for her role Metal Gear Solid3 was her decision, but one that was informed by the game’s voice actor.
Benson explained that voice actor Kris Zimmerman suggested going with a pseudonym because “the various projects I’m involved with in my career are family-oriented and kid-based.”
“Our director, she sat me down and said, ‘Maybe we should change your name,’” Benson recalls. “So she asked me, ‘What was your dog’s name growing up?’ and I said, ‘Suzette Monet.’ So she says, ‘You know what? Let’s build on that. What about Suzetta?’ What if instead of Monet, like the artist, we do Miñet?’ and I thought, ‘Sounds like a deal.’”
Benson, Zimmerman and the rest of the Metal Gear Solid3 The voice actors weren’t the only ones aware of Suzetta Miñet’s alter ego. According to Benson, seven years ago at an unnamed convention “where we meet fantastic fans,” someone threw away a copy of Snake eater to her, apparently so Benson would sign. “I said, ‘Why are you bringing me that?’” she recalled. “And he says, ‘Because you’re in it.’ And I said, ‘You know that? Do you know my deep, dark secret?’ and he said, ‘Yes!’ I said, ‘Shhh… keep it quiet.’”
Benson’s work as the voice of EVA will continue Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. She and other cast members have recorded new lines for the still undated remake, which is destined for PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X.