Cyberpunk 2077: Unraveling the Intricate Parallelism of Johnny Silverhand and Solomon Reed

Highlights

Cyberpunk 2077 features famous movie stars like Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba, adding to the uniqueness of the game.

Interacting with these popular actors can be enjoyable, but players may notice significant differences in their performances that could be jarring. Reeves' voice acting may seem exaggerated and lacking authenticity, whereas Elba's portrayal appears more powerful, enhancing the character's overall appeal.

Cyberpunk 2077, known for its dystopian society, serves as a gathering place for renowned movie stars. Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand is a central character in the game, offering players the chance to spend time with him throughout their adventures. In the latest addition, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Idris Elba joins as the enigmatic agent Solomon Reed. Both characters greatly enhance the game's world, but their performances couldn't be more distinct. Although neither actor is new to the gaming world, this is their first time taking the lead in a major RPG. While it's exciting to engage with these beloved actors, their portrayals may be so different that they could potentially unsettle or irritate players. As a result, their inclusion in the game may spark some controversy.

Solomon Reed and Johnny Silverhand Couldn't Be More Different

In the first few hours of playing Cyberpunk 2077, players are introduced to Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. As the story progresses, Johnny's presence starts to merge with the player character's mind, resulting in constant haunting and the involuntary witnessing of his memories. This struggle becomes the central focus of the main storyline, ensuring that players encounter Reeves frequently throughout their journey. While it may be enjoyable for players to have their own personal John Wick experience, some may not find his performance to their liking.

Certain lines delivered by Reeves in CP 2077 may come across as exaggerated, over-edited, or excessively delivered. At times, his dialogue may feel unnatural, despite aligning with the character's mannerisms. This could be attributed to Reeves' vocal performance or a slightly flawed script. Regardless, some players may find him a bit bothersome over time. While he does have notable moments within the narrative, the majority of his lines may seem ordinary or lacking in comparison.

After completing the intro mission in the Phantom Liberty DLC, players will venture into Dogtown to meet Solomon Reed, portrayed by Idris Elba. As one of the main characters, Reed will act as the players' guide throughout their journey. Spending ample time with him, players will hear Elba's captivating voice acting. While Elba portrays a different character type, his performance exudes strength compared to Reeves'.

In contrast to Johnny Silverhand, Solomon Reed is depicted as a quieter and more composed character. Elba's portrayal reflects this with a laid-back demeanor that feels natural, showcasing his suitability for a James Bond-like character in the future. Though some of the dialogue may still need improvement, Elba compensates with an enjoyable performance.

Casting actors from movies to portray video game characters can be a risky move, as evident in Megan Fox's portrayal in Mortal Kombat 1. Being talented on-screen doesn't guarantee the same level of performance in voice acting. While both Elba and Reeves are enjoyable to be around, Elba may have an edge in pulling it off more effortlessly than Reeves. Nevertheless, there may be differing opinions among players, leading to ongoing debates within the gaming community.

You can now get Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.