“I Have Ways”: Cyberpunk Creator Teases Keanu Reeves Comeback for Sequel

Keanu Reeves is ready to light up Night City all over again. Despite his character’s fate in Cyberpunk 2077, Reeves says he’d “love” another round as Johnny Silverhand in the series’ next game. That wish just might come true, if series creator Mike Pondsmith has anything to say about it.

It’s not idle talk. In a recent anniversary livestream, Pondsmith revealed that he’s already brainstormed ways to bring Johnny Silverhand back from the dead. The kicker? He addressed Reeves directly: “I have ways to do that, Keanu. Contact me.” For fans who thought Johnny was lost for good, this is the most encouraging tease yet.

Pondsmith vs. CD Projekt: Competing Visions for Cyberpunk’s Future

Of course, Pondsmith’s dreams might not be the last word. He’s been up front about his diminished in-house role, saying he’s “not as involved directly” with the sequel, known so far as Cyberpunk 2, as he was with the original. CD Projekt, the lead developer, could choose a different direction entirely.

Official information on the sequel is being kept under tight wraps. What fans do know is that pre-production is underway and that about 100 developers are working on the new Cyberpunk title. Most of CD Projekt’s resources are currently focused on The Witcher 4, leaving Cyberpunk 2’s development to a smaller team, at least for now.

But behind the scenes, ideas are flying. Pondsmith’s comments come on the heels of September’s conversation with Reeves, where the star made no secret about wanting to step back into Johnny’s shoes. The main problem isn’t enthusiasm, it’s storytelling. By the end of Cyberpunk 2077, Johnny’s arc had reached a point of no return. Very few fans expected to see him again in any substantial role.

Pondsmith clearly disagrees. “Not that long ago, I saw that Keanu would like to find a way to come back from the dead and play Johnny again,” he said, before dropping his now-viral challenge. For anyone following the series, it’s the drama the Cyberpunk universe was built for: can a fan-favorite character get a second chance, and what would it cost the story?

What We Know About Cyberpunk 2 (So Far)

The actual details from CD Projekt are thin, but there have been a few tantalizing hints. Earlier this year, Pondsmith let slip that Cyberpunk 2 will feature a second city on top of the infamous Night City setting. Expect something like “Chicago gone wrong”, and yes, that lines up with some breadcrumbs dropped in 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion.

Phantom Liberty’s possible ending jumps players several years ahead, after construction on the Transcontinental Maglev Network, alluded to in the base game, wraps up. This project links Night City directly to Chicago, paving the way for the series to break out of its original playground and explore new urban nightmares.

All this only adds fuel to the Johnny Silverhand fire. If CD Projekt is willing to push the boundaries on setting, and the creator himself is passionate about resurrecting a character, Reeves’ comeback doesn’t sound so far-fetched. If it happens, though, it’ll have to fit into a world that’s already gotten a major shake-up.

For now, the ball seems to be in CD Projekt’s court. But between Reeves’ open invitation and Pondsmith crafting “ways” to bring Johnny back, the stage is set for one of gaming’s biggest character returns, if the stars align.