Who is Keanu Reeves playing in Cyberpunk 2077?

One of the biggest reveals at E3 2019 was that the Cyberpunk 2077 release date has been locked down to 2020. The biggest reveal, however, is undoubtedly the news that Cyberpunk 2077 stars Keanu Reeves. The actor (and his likeness) will be coming to the upcoming RPG and now, thanks to a press release, we know that Keanu Reeves is playing Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077.

Don't know who that is? Johnny Silverhand is a legendary figure in Cyberpunk lore. In fact, on this occasion I will let the press release do the talking: "The trailer reveals one of the key characters of Cyberpunk 2077, Johnny Silverhand. The legendary Rockerboy is played by Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves (The Matrix trilogy, John Wick series, Johnny Mnemonic). In addition to his appearance and voice, Reeves is also providing full-body motion capture for the character."

That's right, the singer and guitarist Johnny Silverhand is coming to Cyberpunk 2077. If I had to put a bet on it, I'd guess that his infamous grudge against the Arasaka Corporation will be too. All of this is especially interesting, especially if you're a Cyberpunk nerd like me, because CD Project RED worked to establish that Johnny Silverhand was long gone in its E3 2019 trailer. "Been a year since Johnny Silverhand's last ride", a radio broadcast announced. It raised an eyebrow because, according to Cyberpunk lore as we know it, Silverhand died in 2024. I don't know about you, but Keanu Reeves looked alive and kicking to me!

That's because Silverhand will essentially appear to you as a malware system, an implant that can offer tips and advice throughout the game. Johnny Silverhand's fictional band will provide tracks for Cyberpunk 2077's in-game soundtrack, but as of writing Reeves won't be providing the singing voice for the character – sadly. Either way, expect to hear a lot more about Keanu Reeves Johnny Silverhand in the coming months. 

For more from the press conferences, be sure to read our E3 2019 schedule to see what the other publishers have to offer at E3 2019.

Josh West
Editor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

Latest in Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Idris Elba
A Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty cinematic lead endured a "personal nightmare" bringing Idris Elba to life because of his "very specific eyebrows" – "how he moves them is amazing"
Cyberpunk Turf Wars
There's an official new Cyberpunk 2077 game, but the bad news is that it's housed in a 9-foot, 1,500lb arcade machine
Cyberpunk 2077: Johnny Silverhand sits at a restaurant table with his hands together next to a plate of food
Cyberpunk 2 associate game director reveals his greatest development secret: 10 hour loops of music like "Epic Sax Guy" that "gives me insane focus and clarity"
The Witcher 2
Before he was Cyberpunk 2's associate director and was just "employee #86," CDPR dev says it took him 46 tries to beat an infamous boss in The Witcher 2: "I was losing my mind"
Cyberpunk 2077
Over 4 years after its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 hits 'Overwhelmingly Positive' on Steam: "Never dreamt it will be possible"
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty screenshots
If Night City is the "main antagonist" of Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 4's Continent could easily follow suit
Latest in News
Sam Worthington in Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron's early cut of Avatar 3 is "absolutely breathtaking," according to Disney CEO Bob Iger
The two characters in Split Fiction dressed in fantasy gear each with a dragon on their back
Split Fiction is already being turned into a movie as "top Hollywood studios" reportedly start a bidding war over the co-op sensation
Severance season 2 finale
There's a perfect Game of Thrones parallel in the Severance season 2 finale
Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach
Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach actor says CEOs "just want to save money" with AI: "It'll destroy their reputation, their company, everything"
Robert Downey Jr. during the Doctor Doom announcement at Marvel's SDCC 2024 panel
Kevin Feige was behind the decision to bring Robert Downey Jr. in as Doctor Doom, and the conversation was had "a while ago"
Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds has given us the weirdest Marvel movie marathon ever to mark 10 years since the first Deadpool movie started filming