Cyberpunk creator doubted Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand: “He’s too nice”
Mike Pondsmith initially questioned the casting choice but ultimately supported CD Projekt RED’s vision.
Keanu Reeves has become synonymous with Cyberpunk 2077, delivering a memorable performance as Johnny Silverhand. His portrayal, along with the now-iconic “You’re breathtaking!” moment, cemented his place in gaming history.
However, Cyberpunk’s creator, Mike Pondsmith, wasn’t entirely convinced at first.
“Johnny is an asshole”: Pondsmith’s initial doubts
Pondsmith’s concerns weren’t about Reeves’ appearance—Silverhand already had the rockstar attitude and style. Instead, he worried about Reeves’ personality, saying:
“You got Keanu Reeves? He’s too nice to be Johnny. Johnny is an asshole. He has his reasons, but yeah, he’s not a nice guy.”
Despite his reservations, Pondsmith didn’t object once he understood CD Projekt RED’s direction for the character.
The right decision in the end
Reeves ultimately won over fans, bringing depth and edge to Silverhand while maintaining his signature charisma. With Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion, his portrayal remains one of the most memorable aspects of the game.
The title is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with next-gen versions featuring enhanced graphics and gameplay. The Ultimate Edition will also launch alongside Nintendo Switch 2.
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