Cyberpunk 2077: Game Designer Shares The Story Behind Keanu Reeves Being a Part of the Game

Everyone is aware that major titles are set to drop this year. Perhaps the biggest of the lot would be CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077. Gamereactor was able to catch up with the game’s designer who had some interesting stories to share. 

Cyberpunk 2077 is the upcoming first-person RPG set in a dystopian future that is heavily reliant on hi-tech robotics. The story is set in Night City, a megacity in the free state of California. Players are in control of ‘V’, a customizable mercenary who deals with conflicts in a dark, crime-infested Night City. 

Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the original tabletop, talked about the game, the connections and provided insights on various other matters.  Now, perhaps one of the interesting parts about the game would be its addition to playable characters. Some well-known streamers are set to be in the game alongside Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves. 

Mike Pondsmith on Keanu Reeves being part of Cyberpunk 2077

Reeves made an appearance in the Cyberpunk 2077 trailer some months back. The gaming community was set ablaze seeing him in the game. Reeves will be playing the role of Johnny Silverhand. According to reports and rumors, the character will be playing a vital role in the story. 

Pondsmith didn’t originally envision Keanu Reeves for the role, but he later figured that he does fit the bill. 

“I’ve been interested and amused by some of the castings so far. Keanu Reeves, for example, wasn’t what I originally envisioned for Johnny, but I kind of cracked up when we figured it out because he fit. It was just… “I can see that”, Pondsmith said. 

The designer was not made aware that Reeves had been cast to the team. He also added that the team was worried that he’d be upset with their choice. His wife, however, predicted that it’d be Keanu Reeves before the announcement. 

“I looked at her and said: “What? No, he would never do that. That’s, like, beyond our pay grade, he’d never do that. Besides, it’s a Cyberpunk thing, how much Cyberpunk does he do?”, Mike Pondsmith said. 

Shortly after it was revealed that it was indeed Reeves. Pondsmith was appreciative of his wife. 

Pondsmith said, “She was right! Ok, I’m not messing with her. She’s going to come with me when we go gambling. She’s obviously very good!”

No one had seen it coming. The addition of a big name such as Reeves in the game was a major hype to Cyberpunk 2077.

The biggest game of the year?

Recently, the first Night City Wire episode aired and the game looks set to cement its place. The game will feature multiple levels of customization and player control. It will be an open-world adventure with visuals and gameplay elements that makes the game drool-worthy. 

With some fan-favorite playable characters, the game is all set to make the big debut. Cyberpunk 2077 will release on November 19, 2020, for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.