The announcement of a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, currently codenamed Project Orion, has ignited speculation among fans. With the first game's narrative depth and memorable cast, the question isn't just about a new story, but which familiar faces might populate Night City once more. The challenge for CD Projekt Red is significant, as many character arcs in the original were shaped by player choice. How can a sequel honor those diverse, personal endings? Yet, if the studio could orchestrate Cyberpunk 2077's remarkable redemption, surely they possess the ingenuity to navigate this narrative labyrinth. Which characters, then, are not only fan favorites but also make logical sense to return, helping to bridge the gap between the two installments?
10. Delamain: The AI Cab Service That Defines Night City 🌃
Is there a more iconic institution in Night City than Delamain's premium taxi service? This AI-run cab company, a symbol of status for its clientele, was a constant presence for V. From the first major mission to the quirky side quests involving rogue taxis, Delamain was woven into the fabric of the city. As an established business with no clear endpoint in the first game, its continued operation in Project Orion seems almost a given. While the new protagonist might not share V's unique rapport with the AI, Delamain's presence would serve as a crucial anchor, making Night City feel like a living, evolving metropolis with persistent landmarks. His familiar, calm voice over the radio would be a welcome piece of continuity.
9. Rogue Amendiares: The Unshakable Queen of the Afterlife 🍸
A legend dating back to the original Cyberpunk tabletop game, Rogue has been a fixture in every iteration. In Cyberpunk 2077, she reigned as the owner of the Afterlife, the most famous mercenary bar, and one of the city's top fixers. Her survival is guaranteed in most endings, making her a safe bet for a return. But how would she appear? Given her prominent role previously, CD Projekt Red could smartly scale back her involvement. Imagine her contacting the new player remotely with high-stakes gigs, her voice carrying the weight of decades of history. This approach would acknowledge her status without forcing the narrative to canonize a specific version of her relationship with Johnny Silverhand.
8. The Arasaka Heirs: Hanako or Yorinobu – Who Will Rule? 👑
The fate of the Arasaka Corporation is one of Cyberpunk 2077's biggest variables. Will it be the enigmatic, secretive netrunner Hanako, or her ruthless, patricidal brother Yorinobu who sits on the throne? Given Arasaka's colossal shadow over Night City, the corporation's leader is inevitably a major power player. Could Project Orion implement a save-import feature, a la classic RPGs, to determine which sibling is in charge? Or, given the complexity of 2077's endings, might the sequel cleverly sidestep the issue, focusing on Arasaka's corporate machinations from a new angle? Either way, the intrigue surrounding this megacorp is too rich to ignore.
7. Goro Takemura: A Beacon of Honor in a Corrupt City ⚔️
What makes Goro Takemura so compelling isn't just his skills as Saburo Arasaka's former bodyguard, but his unwavering code of honor—a rarity in Night City's moral quagmire. He was always direct about his motives, a refreshing contrast to the city's deceit. His potential return is fascinating, especially considering his arc in the Phantom Liberty DLC, where he can be framed and cast out from the corporation he served loyally. Exploring a Takemura stripped of his Arasaka identity, forced to redefine his honor on the streets, would be a powerful storyline. How does a man of principle navigate a world that has rejected him?
6. Judy Alvarez: The Idealistic Heart of the Mox 💖
Judy Alvarez, the talented braindance editor and Mox member, represents the hopeful, rebellious spirit fighting Night City's oppressive systems. Her idealism and technical genius made her a fan favorite. Her return could serve as the perfect gateway to deeper exploration of the Mox, one of the city's newer and more morally complex gangs. Judy isn't just a familiar face; she's a catalyst for change. She could introduce questlines focused on grassroots resistance, offering players a path to genuinely challenge the corporate establishment from the ground up. Wouldn't it be compelling to see how her efforts have progressed, or perhaps been tempered, by time?
5. Viktor Vektor: From Honest Ripperdoc to Corporate Cog 🔧
Viktor 'Vik' Vektor, the charming and ethical ripperdoc, met a poignant fate in Phantom Liberty: forced to abandon his independent clinic and work for the megacorp Zetatech. This depressing turn is peak Cyberpunk social commentary. Seeing Vik in Project Orion, now a reluctant corporate employee, would powerfully continue the series' critique of predatory capitalism. The loss of his autonomy and the commodification of his craft is a tragic but perfect narrative thread. Because players grew to love Vik's honesty and warmth, witnessing his compromised situation would make the game's themes feel personal and deeply resonant.
4. Songbird: The Netrunner Deserving of a Second Act 🎶
Song So Mi, or Songbird, emerged in Phantom Liberty as one of the game's most relatable and tragic figures. An immensely talented netrunner trapped by the NUSA government, her quest for freedom mirrored V's own struggle. Her story felt like it had more to tell. As a newer character, she offers fresh narrative potential without the baggage of multiple base-game endings (though her DLC conclusions would need addressing). Exploring her unique netrunning abilities and her perspective on the post-liberation (or post-capture) world would be a major draw for fans invested in her fraught journey.
3. Mr. Hands: The Ambitious Fixer with Grand Plans 🎭
The mysterious fixer Mr. Hands, revealed to be Wade Bleeker in Phantom Liberty, is defined by his cunning ambition. Unlike other fixers content with brokering deals, he sought to install a puppet ruler in Dogtown to control Pacifica. His endgame remains a mystery, making him a perfect candidate for the sequel. Players already know Mr. Hands is ambitious and has plans in the works. Project Orion could be the stage where those shadowy plans finally come to fruition. Will he become a kingmaker, or will his overreach be his downfall? His arc is ripe for expansion.
2. Johnny Silverhand: Can Night City Ever Be Without Its Legendary Rockerboy? 🎸
Keanu Reeves' iconic performance made Johnny Silverhand more than a digital ghost; he became the soul of Cyberpunk 2077. While he doesn't need to be a main character again, his absence would be deeply felt. Keanu Reeves’ performance as the character is incredible, and fans would surely welcome more. A clever cameo could work wonders—perhaps as an engram in a forgotten database, a holographic memorial, or in a flashback sequence detailing another chapter of Night City's history. Even a brief, impactful appearance would honor the character's legacy without overshadowing a new story.
1. V: The Ultimate Narrative Gamble for Project Orion 🎲
This is the big one. Including the player's own V from Cyberpunk 2077 as an NPC in the sequel is a monumental risk. V's personality, relationships, and ultimate fate are uniquely personal to each player. However, if CD Projekt Red could pull it off—perhaps through a detailed save import or a cleverly ambiguous presentation—it would be a groundbreaking narrative achievement. Imagine encountering a version of V who has become a Night City legend, a fixer, or a ghost in the net, with their demeanor reflecting your prior choices. It's the kind of ambitious, player-respecting innovation that could define Project Orion and make players feel truly seen. After the studio's commitment to fixing 2077, wouldn't such a bold move be the ultimate testament to listening to their community?
| Character | Role in Cyberpunk 2077 | Reason for Potential Return in Project Orion |
|---|---|---|
| Delamain | AI Taxi Service | Institutional continuity for Night City |
| Rogue | Fixer / Afterlife Owner | Legendary status & survival in most endings |
| Arasaka Heir | Corporate Leadership | Arasaka's overarching influence on the city |
| Goro Takemura | Former Arasaka Bodyguard | Exploring honor outside the corporate structure |
| Judy Alvarez | Mox Member / Braindance Editor | Gateway to deeper Mox faction stories |
| Viktor Vektor | Ripperdoc | Poignant commentary on corporate assimilation |
| Songbird | Netrunner (Phantom Liberty) | Unfinished, relatable personal story |
| Mr. Hands | Ambitious Fixer | Expansion of his mysterious long-term plans |
| Johnny Silverhand | Rockerboy / Digital Ghost | Iconic legacy and fan demand |
| V | Player Character (Mercenary) | Ultimate player connection and narrative ambition |
The road to Project Orion is long, but the foundation built by Cyberpunk 2077's characters is incredibly strong. The sequel has the opportunity to not just tell a new story, but to show how the choices and lives within Night City echo through time. Whether through cautious returns or audacious narrative leaps, these characters hold the key to making the next journey into the dark future feel like a homecoming—no matter how dystopian. 🏙️✨