Regardless of Canon Ending, One Cyberpunk 2077 Character Likely isn’t Going Anywhere

CD Projekt Red’s FPS RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, has come a long way since its famously troubled launch in 2020. After numerous updates, patches, and a well-received major DLC, though, Cyberpunk 2077 has now settled into a spot where it is highly acclaimed, positively rated, and has fulfilled many of its earlier promises for an engaging title set in one of gaming’s most memorable dystopian future settings. Having overcome its initial issues, Cyberpunk 2077‘s legacy seems cemented as a modern genre classic at this point.

The developer has previously announced plans for a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, currently known as Project Orion. While there is currently little information on the details of how this sequel will continue on from where it left off, there is one inclusion that seems almost a shoo-in. The character of Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, was one of the highlights of CP2077‘s experience. As an important figure in the franchise and all-around fan-favorite, it seems highly likely that Johnny will be featured again in the follow-up, even in light of the various possible endings contained in the first.

No Matter Cyberpunk 2077’s Canon Ending, Johnny Silverhand is Likely to Make a Comeback

Johnny Silverhand is Hardcoded into Cyberpunk 2077’s History and World

Johnny Silverhand plays a big role in Cyberpunk‘s lore, going back to creator and designer Mike Pondsmith’s vision for the original tabletop game well before the videogame version. Johnny was introduced in early supplementary material as a central figure that embodies many of the aesthetics and thematic/narrative elements of the series.

He formed the basis of the Rockerboy class, oozing charisma edged with a hardline approach to his anti-corporate, anti-government stance and mission to galvanize the oppressed population of Night City via his music and message. ​​​​He was just as integral to Cyberpunk 2077‘s plot and could be set up to appear in some form in the sequel.

Why Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Will Probably Include Johnny Silverhand

The relationship between Cyberpunk 2077‘s protagonist, V, and Johnny Silverhand forms the narrative and emotional crux of the story. The experimental engram containing Johnny’s consciousness after his demise during the legendary assault on the Arasaka corporation being implanted into V after their botched heist kicks off the chain of events, and sees the two forced to cooperate to survive. Over the course, players get to know Johnny intimately, seeing sides of his past and personality that go a long way toward explaining his demeanor and motivations.

One open issue for Project Orion is that CDPR may have to choose one of Cyberpunk 2077‘s endings as the canon version, and if this is the case, it will greatly inform how exactly Johnny might return for another adventure. Some endings have Johnny living on in V’s body, the engram having successfully overwritten their personality and allowing Johnny a second chance at life. However, there is always the possibility that CDPR chooses another route, which may require a bit of narrative manipulation to justify. Still, it would be hard to cut him out completely given his status in the series.

Another factor to consider is how beloved Keanu Reeves is, especially in this role, since it seemed the perfect fit for the actor, and it’s difficult to imagine anyone else taking over the spot in future projects. The famous reveal of Reeves starring as Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077 garnered new levels of hype, and it would seem to be a waste for the studio not to capitalize on this for the sequel. Though there is only mostly speculation to go on at this point, given the extreme popularity of Johnny Silverhand and his place in the setting, there are plenty of reasons why chances are good that the revolutionary Samurai frontman will take the stage again in the sequel.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG set in a future dystopian world. Players take up the role of V, who works as a mercenary in Night City in California. Gameplay involves branching dialogue, open-world exploration, character classes, and combat.

Released

December 10, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

How Long To Beat

25 Hours

Metascore

75

Engine

REDengine 4

PS Plus Availability

N/A

Top Critic Rating

76

Critics Recommend %

65

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