Cyberpunk series creator Mike Pondsmith has extended an invitation to Keanu Reeves to discuss returning as Johnny Silverhand in the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. During a livestream celebrating the game's fifth anniversary, Pondsmith referenced Reeves' recent interest in reprising the role. He assured that he has ideas to make it possible despite the character's narrative conclusion.
Background on the Announcement
The invitation came during a livestream hosted by CD Projekt Red to mark the fifth anniversary of Cyberpunk 2077, which launched in December 2020. Mike Pondsmith, the original creator of the Cyberpunk tabletop RPG franchise, joined the event and addressed Keanu Reeves' expressed desire to return as the iconic rockerboy Johnny Silverhand. Reeves, known for roles in The Matrix and John Wick, voiced his enthusiasm in a September 2024 IGN interview, stating he would 'absolutely' love to play the character again.
Key Quotes and Details
Pondsmith directly referenced Reeves' comments, saying, 'Not that long ago, I saw that Keanu would like to find a way to come back from the dead and play Johnny again. I have ways to do that, Keanu. Contact me.' This enigmatic response highlights Pondsmith's creative involvement, though he noted having a more hands-off role in the sequel compared to the original game. The character's storyline in Cyberpunk 2077 typically concludes with Johnny's digital engram fading or integrating into the protagonist V, making a return challenging but not impossible in the franchise's lore.
Context on Cyberpunk 2
CD Projekt Red confirmed in May 2024 that pre-production on the untitled sequel is underway, with around 100 developers assigned, though the majority of the studio is focused on The Witcher 4. Pondsmith previously revealed that the game will introduce a second city, described as 'Chicago gone wrong,' expanding beyond Night City. This ties into elements from the Phantom Liberty expansion, which includes story paths set years later involving connections between Night City and Chicago via the Transcontinental Maglev Network. While no official details on casting or plot have been announced, Pondsmith's outreach suggests ongoing discussions about key characters like Silverhand.