Summary
Idris Elba has lent his voice to several video game-related projects, including the upcoming movie adaptation ofSonic the Hedgehog 3. The actor has also expressed his interest in bringing another of his video game characters to life in a big-screen adaptation ofCyberpunk 2077.
Elba appeared in the expansion of CD Projekt Red’s 2020 action roleplaying game which takes place in the futuristic Night City. The actor portraysSolomon Reed inCyperpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, a sleeper agent working for the Federal Intelligence Agency who operates out of the expansion’s new district, Dogtown. Alongside his work onCyberpunk 2077, Elba has voiced Knuckles in three of Paramount’sSonic the Hedgehogprojects. The actor also has voice roles in video game projects such asCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3andNBA 2K20, making him proficient in both the film and video game worlds.
Idris Elba Wants To See A Cyberpunk 2077 Movie
While promotingSonic the Hedgehog 3in an interview withScreen Rant, Elba was open about his interest in starring in aCyberpunk 2077film adaptation. Coincidentally,Cyberpunk 2077is also a project he shares with anotherSonic the Hedgehog 3actor, Keanu Reeves. Reeves plays Johnny Silverhand in the video game and will soon make his debut inSonic the Hedgehog 3voicing Shadow the Hedgehog. It’s the potential of reuniting with Reeves for aCyberpunk 2077film that interested Elba the most.“I think if any film could do a live-action rendition, it could be [Cyberpunk 2077], and I think [Reeves’] character and my character together would be, ‘Whoa,’”Elba stated.
I think if any film could do a live-action rendition, it could be [Cyberpunk 2077], and I think [Keanu Reeves'] character and my character together would be, “Whoa.” So, let’s speak that into existence.
The nature of Elba and Reeves’ roles in bothSonic the Hedgehog 3andCyberpunk 2077means the actors probably did not have much crossover with each other, despite both having large parts in each project. Voice acting roles typically require actors to deliver their performances in the booth separately, so beyond the press and red carpet appearances, it is unlikely that Elba and Reeves have spent much time working together. That’s part of the reasonaCyberpunk 2077adaptation would be so exciting, as it could allow for Reeves and Elba to finally perform opposite each other in live-action.
A Live-Action Cyberpunk 2077 Project Is In Development Already
A live-action project based onCyberpunk 2077is yet to be released. The video game did receive the animated spin-off seriesCyberpunk: Edgerunners, which was widely well-received, andanother animated project based onCyberpunk 2077is also in the works with Netflix. In 2023, CD Projekt Red announced it had partnered with Anonymous Content todevelop a live-action projectbased within the same world as the game. At the time the studio said it was looking to tell a brand-new story in the world ofCyberpunk 2077, rather than a straight adaptation of the game, but it’s unclear what direction development may have gone behind the scenes.
With Elba now clearly interested in reprising his role of Solomon Reed, and the potential to get Reeves on board as Johnny Silverhand as well, aCyberpunk 2077adaptation starring both their characters has plenty of potential to be a big hit.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
