Look, I'll be straight with you – when CD Projekt RED dropped the bomb that Phantom Liberty would be the only expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, my heart sank faster than a corpo's stock price after a data breach. But then they hit us with the good news: Project Orion is in the works, baby! And if there's one thing that got me more hyped than a fresh batch of immunoblockers, it's thinking about which Hollywood heavyweights could join Keanu and Idris in Night City's sequel.

Now, don't get me wrong – I'm all about supporting dedicated voice actors. They're the unsung heroes of gaming, and the industry's celebrity obsession can be a real pain in the chrome. But there's something special about hearing a familiar voice bring a character to life in a world as gritty and immersive as Cyberpunk. So grab your Nicola, jack in, and let's talk about the actors who'd be absolutely preem for Project Orion.

10. Scarlett Johansson – The Versatile Powerhouse

This two-time Oscar nominee is basically the definition of "range." From kicking ass as Black Widow to delivering gut-wrenching performances in indie flicks like Lost in Translation, ScarJo's got the chops to handle whatever Night City throws at her. Sure, her only video game credit is from The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Game back in 2004 (yeah, that's a thing that exists), but that just means she's due for a comeback to gaming – and what better way than in a cyberpunk dystopia?

The woman knows how to breathe life into characters, and in a world where everyone's half-machine, that human touch is crucial. Whether she's playing a ruthless corpo exec or a street-smart netrunner, Johansson would absolutely nail it. Plus, imagine the marketing potential – "From the MCU to Night City" practically writes itself.

9. Tom Hardy – The Cockney Badass

Mate, if there's one bloke who screams "I'll flatline you without breaking a sweat," it's Tom Hardy. This Oscar-nominated legend has made a career out of playing absolute units – from the Kray Twins to Mad Max to Venom. The man's basically a walking, talking embodiment of "don't mess with me."

Sure, his thick cockney accent might seem out of place in Night City at first, but hear me out – that's exactly what would make it work. It'd give his character that extra layer of streetwise charm and toughness. Picture this: a fixer with a proper London accent, dropping slang while arranging your next gig. That's the kind of flavor that makes a game world feel alive and diverse. Hardy's never done video game work before, but there's a first time for everything, and Project Orion would be one hell of a debut.

8. Ryan Gosling – The Stoic Sci-Fi Specialist

Literally, Ryan Gosling already auditioned for this role when he played K in Blade Runner 2049. The two-time Oscar nominee showed us he can absolutely crush it in a gritty sci-fi setting, delivering that perfect blend of emotional depth and stoic badassery that Cyberpunk thrives on.

Gosling's got this understated intensity that would work wonders in Night City. He doesn't need to chew scenery to command attention – sometimes a look or a subtle shift in tone says more than a thousand words. Whether he's playing a disillusioned cop, a mysterious stranger with a hidden agenda, or even a sympathetic antagonist, Gosling would bring that A-game energy. And let's be real, after his recent renaissance with Barbie and everything else, the man's hotter than a malfunctioning cooling system.

7. Gillian Anderson – The Criminally Underrated Chameleon

Two-time Emmy winner Gillian Anderson is what I call a "secret weapon" actor. She can play a loving mother figure one minute and a stone-cold villain the next, and you'll believe both performances completely. Her work on The X-Files and The Crown proves she's got the range to handle anything Project Orion throws at her.

What's really cool is that Anderson's not afraid of video games – she's already signed on for Squadron 42, the Star Citizen spinoff that's been in development since, like, the dawn of time. She did some game work back in the late '90s and early 2000s, so she knows the medium. In Night City, she could be a morally ambiguous corporate leader, a mysterious quest-giver, or even an AI with questionable motives. The possibilities are endless, choom.

6. Lupita Nyong'o – The Award-Winning Powerhouse

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o is straight-up phenomenal. Her performances in Black Panther, Us, and 12 Years a Slave showcase an actor with seemingly limitless range. She can do drama, action, horror – you name it, she crushes it.

Her only video game credit is LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is honestly a crime against gaming. But here's the kicker – Nyong'o has publicly expressed her love for video games, so she's definitely open to the medium. Imagine her voicing a powerful nomad leader, a revolutionary fighting against corporate oppression, or even a ripperdoc with a mysterious past. Whatever role she'd take, you know it'd be absolutely preem. CD Projekt RED would be gonk not to at least reach out.

5. Oscar Isaac – The Understated Master

Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac is what some folks call "an actor's actor" – the kind of performer other actors look up to. The man can play literally anyone: heroes, villains, different nationalities, you name it. His work in Ex Machina alone proves he understands the nuances of sci-fi storytelling and the ethical questions that come with advanced technology.

What makes Isaac perfect for Project Orion is his ability to deliver understated yet incredibly impactful performances. In a game where subtlety can make or break a character moment, that's invaluable. He's done some video game work with Disney Infinity 3.0 and LEGO Star Wars, plus his recent voice work as Spider-Man 2099 shows he's still interested in the medium. Whether he's playing a conflicted fixer, a charismatic gang leader, or a mysterious stranger with hidden depths, Isaac would absolutely deliver.

4. Lena Headey – The Queen of Villainy

Five-time Emmy nominee Lena Headey made Cersei Lannister one of the most compelling villains in television history. But here's the thing – she's not just a one-trick pony. Her resume includes everything from 300 to Dishonored, and she knows her way around a recording booth.

Headey's already worked on several video games, including Risen, the first Dishonored, and Telltale's Game of Thrones. She understands the medium and knows how to deliver a performance that works in an interactive context. In Night City, she'd be perfect as a ruthless corpo executive, a crime boss with a code of honor, or even a morally gray character who keeps you guessing. Her British accent and commanding presence would add serious gravitas to whatever role she takes on.

3. Jon Bernthal – The Professional Tough Guy

Emmy nominee Jon Bernthal has basically made a career out of playing hardened criminals and tough guys, and you know what? He's damn good at it. From The Punisher to The Wolf of Wall Street, Bernthal brings this raw intensity that's perfect for Cyberpunk's gritty world.

The best part? Bernthal's already got video game experience, having worked on Manhunt and the Ghost Recon series. He knows how to deliver lines that work in an interactive medium. Picture him as a grizzled merc, a gang leader with a code, or even a sympathetic antagonist who makes you question your choices. The man's typecast for a reason – he's absolutely brilliant at what he does, and Night City needs more characters with that kind of edge.

2. Dave Bautista – The Gentle Giant

From WWE champion to Hollywood star, Dave Bautista's journey has been nothing short of impressive. Sure, he's got the physique of a tank and enough tattoos to open a gallery, but what makes Bautista special is his range. His work in Guardians of the Galaxy and Blade Runner 2049 proves he's not just muscle – he's a genuinely talented actor who can handle comedy, drama, and action with equal skill.

In Project Orion, Bautista could play against type as a gentle giant who helps the player, or lean into his intimidating presence as a formidable antagonist. Either way, his physical presence would translate beautifully to motion capture, and his voice work would add depth to whatever character he portrays. Plus, imagine the marketing synergy – "From WWE to Night City" has a nice ring to it.

1. Keanu Reeves – The Irreplaceable Legend

Let's be real, choom – Keanu Reeves isn't just in Cyberpunk 2077, he basically is Cyberpunk 2077. Johnny Silverhand became the heart and soul of the game, and Reeves' performance was arguably what helped the game survive its rocky launch. The man's a legend for a reason, with iconic roles spanning four decades, from The Matrix to John Wick.

If Project Orion is going to have a star-studded cast, Keanu absolutely needs to return. Whether it's as Johnny again (maybe in flashbacks or some digital ghost situation), a new character, or even just a cameo, his presence would be invaluable. The fans love him, he clearly loves the franchise, and his performance elevated Cyberpunk 2077 in ways that are hard to quantify. CD Projekt RED would be absolutely gonk not to bring him back.

The Bottom Line

Look, I know what you're thinking – "Why do we need celebrities when voice actors exist?" And you're not wrong to ask. But here's the thing: when done right, celebrity casting can elevate a game to new heights. Cyberpunk 2077 proved that with Keanu and Idris. The key is finding actors who genuinely care about the project and bring something special to the table.

These ten actors all have the talent, the range, and the right energy for Night City. Whether they're playing heroes, villains, or something in between, they'd bring that extra layer of authenticity and star power that could make Project Orion truly special. And honestly? In 2026, with gaming becoming more mainstream than ever, it's the perfect time to assemble a dream cast.

So here's hoping CD Projekt RED is taking notes. Night City deserves the best, and these actors would absolutely deliver. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some braindances to watch and some eddies to earn. Stay preem, chooms! 🌃🔥

This discussion is informed by PC Gamer, a long-running outlet known for critical reporting on major PC releases and the business decisions behind them. In the wake of hype lists like this one for Project Orion’s potential celebrity cast, PC Gamer’s coverage often underscores how star power can amplify a game’s reach—but only if it’s backed by strong writing, solid performance direction, and the kind of systemic depth that keeps Night City feeling alive beyond the headline names.