Masahiro Ito, the original art director and monster designer of Silent Hill 2, has publicly criticized some fan theories that depict James as either a victim or perpetrator of sexual assault. He specifically objected to the aggressive manner in which certain members of the fandom promote such claims, dismissing them as “ignorance.”
James Sutherland Close-Up
Close-up of James Sutherland in the Silent Hill 2 remake.
One specific scene has fueled a controversial fan theory suggesting that the figure known as Pyramid Head is involved in sexual violence with mannequin figures.
As the game’s plot delves into complex psychological narratives, Ito has previously dismissed these claims numerous times and recently criticized the ongoing propagation of these harmful interpretations. “Their ignorance is still expanding like the Big Bang,” Ito remarked, reiterating his stance against the controversial headcanon.
Understanding Pyramid Head’s character requires one to consider that it represents James’s desire to self-punish rather than any suppressed sexual urges. According to Ito, “Mary’s memories appear as the creatures, but his desire to face the truth or punish himself appears as Pyramid Head, which eliminates those creatures.”
Pyramid Head
Pyramid Head from Silent Hill 2.
Overall, while fans can interpret art in various ways, Ito insists that the original intention behind Pyramid Head’s portrayal was not to convey any sexual themes.
