Keanu Reeves, renowned actor and star of the original Cyberpunk 2077 as Johnny Silverhand, has confirmed his enthusiasm for returning to the role in the sequel. In a recent interview with IGN, Reeves stated he would "absolutely" love to reprise the legendary rockstar terrorist character in Cyberpunk 2, which is officially in pre-production at CD Projekt Red.
The role of Johnny Silverhand has become iconic since the release of Cyberpunk 2077 in December 2020. Despite the game's rocky launch plagued by significant technical difficulties, the studio’s extensive post-launch support helped the title attain a major comeback. By November 2024, the game had sold over 30 million copies, reflecting a strong and enduring player base.
Details on Cyberpunk 2 remain scarce, but the development effort has been ramping up, with the studio confirming that as of July 31, 2025, more than 116 developers are dedicated to the project, a notable increase from previous months. While much of CD Projekt’s focus is currently on the highly anticipated The Witcher 4, Cyberpunk 2 is steadily progressing in parallel.
Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has shared early insights, revealing that the sequel will feature a new city alongside the familiar Night City. Describing it as a "Chicago gone wrong," the new setting promises a fresh yet distinctly dystopian ambiance for players. Pondsmith’s remarks suggest a blend of innovation while maintaining ties to the rich world-building of the original game.
The fate of Johnny Silverhand in the sequel is uncertain due to multiple possible endings in Cyberpunk 2077, which could influence the character’s return. Reeves’ strong interest hints that CD Projekt may explore creative ways to bring the character back, whether as a central figure or in cameo form, though nothing is confirmed at this stage.
As CD Projekt balances development between Cyberpunk 2 and The Witcher 4, the release timeline for the sequel is projected to be several years away, potentially not arriving until at least 2030, according to industry estimates of development cycles.
Reeves’ attachment to the role remains a beacon for fans of the franchise, highlighting how the game’s narrative and performance elements have resonated beyond traditional gaming audiences. His initial viral interaction with fans at E3 2019 helped cement Johnny Silverhand’s place in pop culture.
With the sequel promising a uniquely American narrative and a fresh urban landscape, anticipation continues to build. Fans and industry observers alike are watching CD Projekt’s ongoing efforts closely as it navigates the challenges of AAA game development and evolving player expectations in the console gaming sector.
While unionization trends within the gaming industry gain momentum globally, studios like CD Projekt Red remain at the forefront of balancing creative ambition with workforce needs, a dynamic that will likely shape the production of both Cyberpunk 2 and future titles.
Ultimately, Reeves’ willingness to return underscores the cultural impact of Cyberpunk 2077 and injects further excitement into a sequel that aims to redefine the franchise for a new generation.
