Keanu Reeves has made no secret of his enthusiasm for reprising his role as the rebellious rocker Johnny Silverhand in the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, and now the original Cyberpunk tabletop RPG creator Mike Pondsmith has extended a direct invitation during a recent livestream. Speaking on CD Projekt Red’s REDstreams anniversary special on October 30, 2025, Pondsmith referenced Reeves’ recent comments, stating, “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.”

Reeves first voiced his interest in September 2025 during an IGN interview promoting his film Good Fortune, responding affirmatively to the prospect of returning: “Absolutely. I’d love to play Johnny Silverhand again.” His portrayal of the digital engram haunting protagonist V became one of Cyberpunk 2077’s standout elements, blending motion capture, voice work, and even improvised lines that fans still quote years later. Reeves’ involvement dates back to E3 2019, where his onstage appearance announcing the game’s release date went viral for the wholesome “You’re breathtaking!” exchange with the crowd.

Pondsmith, whose 1988 Cyberpunk tabletop game inspired the video game series, praised Reeves’ commitment during the stream. “The nicest guy on Earth is playing an incredible jerk,” he noted, highlighting how Reeves and Idris Elba—who voiced Solomon Reed in the Phantom Liberty expansion—immersed themselves fully in their roles. Pondsmith even floated the idea of casting Scarlett Johansson next, joking, “Scarlett, you know, I have roles for you.” While Pondsmith admitted he’s less directly involved in the sequel—codenamed Project Orion—than in the original, his influence on the lore could pave the way for creative solutions.

Bringing Silverhand back poses narrative challenges. In Cyberpunk 2077, the character exists as a construct in V’s head after his physical death decades earlier, and most endings—especially the Phantom Liberty “true” ending—resolve his arc permanently. Fans speculate possibilities like flashbacks, braindances (virtual memory replays), alternate engrams beyond the Blackwall AI barrier, or even a new construct in a multiplayer-enabled sequel, as hinted by recent job listings. Pondsmith’s tease aligns with the series’ cyberpunk themes of digital immortality and identity fragmentation, leaving room for innovation without contradicting prior events.

CD Projekt Red confirmed Project Orion entered pre-production in May 2025, with around 116 developers assigned, though The Witcher 4 remains the studio’s top priority. Pondsmith previously revealed at Digital Dragons 2025 that the game will feature Night City plus a new location—”like Chicago gone wrong”—a plague-ridden, gang-infested hub from the lore. No release window exists, with estimates pointing to 2029 or later given the studio’s parallel projects and lessons from 2077’s troubled launch.

Cyberpunk 2077 has transformed since its 2020 debut. Initial technical issues led to refunds and backlash, but updates like 2.0 and Phantom Liberty—starring Elba—earned critical acclaim, pushing sales past 30 million. The anime spin-off Edgerunners further boosted its profile. Reeves’ return could amplify marketing, much like his E3 moment and Silverhand’s prominence in trailers.

Online buzz exploded post-stream, with X posts from outlets like Dexerto and Eurogamer racking up thousands of engagements. Fans shared clips of Pondsmith’s invite, speculating on Silverhand’s role in a potential multiplayer mode or expanded universe. Reeves’ goodwill—rooted in his approachable persona—makes him a natural fit for CDPR’s redemption arc.

Pondsmith’s hands-off role means final decisions rest with CDPR, but his endorsement carries weight. The studio has stayed silent on casting, focusing on core development. If Reeves connects, it could signal big plans, perhaps tying into Edgerunners Season 2 or other media.

For gamers, Silverhand’s grit defined 2077’s appeal—his critiques of corporate excess resonated amid the game’s dystopian sprawl. Reeves’ chemistry with V elevated key moments, from hallucinatory sequences to philosophical debates. A sequel cameo, even brief, would thrill veterans while drawing newcomers.

As pre-production advances, Reeves’ eagerness and Pondsmith’s blueprint hint at Silverhand’s enduring legacy. In a franchise built on second chances—V’s biochip saga mirrors it—Johnny’s digital echo could harmonize old and new. CDPR’s track record with celebrity talent suggests they’re listening. Night City awaits its rockerboy’s potential encore.