When Johnny Silverhand was first unveiled back in 2019 during the Microsoft Xbox E3 briefing for Cyberpunk 2077, fans went wild to learn that none other than Keanu Reeves would be taking on the iconic role.
Despite being killed by Adam Smasher back in 2023, Silverhand’s consciousness was uploaded to an engram which, in turn, is implanted into our V’s head during the events of Cyberpunk 2077. As such, our story begins when we discover a digital replica of the once-rocker and Arasaka terrorist now existing in our head.
Depending on which ending you choose for Cyberpunk 2077, V and Johnny’s link is ultimately severed, giving us the impression that neither of them will star in the highly anticipated sequel. However, there is also no denying that the sequel will feel a lot different without Keanu Reeves at our side, so, it is no surprise that fans over on Reddit have been discussing what a potential Johnny Silverhand replacement would look like.
Over on r/LowSodiumCyberpunk, one fan asked, “Can there be a Cyberpunk game/Orion without Johnny Silverhand?” According to one fan, it is definitely possible. “Of course there can. The setting is so much bigger than him,” they explained. “I love the character and Keanu’s portrayal, but Johnny was never really that central a character in the Cyberpunk universe. Hell, he wasn’t even supposed to be that central in 2077 until they managed to hire Keanu.
Johnny’s role is so attached to the Relic plotline that he should stay there and be part of what makes 2077 unique. Orion should put the spotlight on new characters, maybe Morgan Blackhand, who was arguably more of a lead character in the franchise but conspicuously absent from 2077. No V, no Johnny, except for brief mentions.”
However, over on r/cyberpunkgame, another fan is worried that the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel will not be the same without Johnny. “That’s one of my worries,” they shared. “Silverhand randomly popping in and commenting on stuff etc. is, in my opinion, one of the things that makes this game so good. There is never a dull moment. I don’t know how they’re going to make up for it.”
As such, another user over on r/cyberpunkgame has a theory on how Project Orion could bring back Johnny, especially considering that Keanu Reeves has previously stated that he would love to return to the franchise.
“Johnny was a digital engram. There’s no reason there was only one copy,” they begin. “Use act one as a hunt for rogue Silverhand engrams scattered across the world. Different copies that have developed in completely different directions — one gone corporate, one full terrorist, one lost in the net. Each one is a mini-character study on identity. This also gives a natural reason for characters like Rogue and Kerry to show up — they have personal stakes in finding copies of someone they actually knew.
“V gets handled simply — other characters reference them in a way that works whether they lived or died. “After everything that went down with V…” No canon ending required.”
Although this is a compelling argument, the question remains as to whether we would want the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel to be too similar to its predecessor. As much as we loved both V and Johnny, maybe their story is done, and we can tackle other areas of Night City. That is my opinion, at least, but who knows what CD Projekt RED has planned? We can only wait and see.
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Engine
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REDengine 4
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
