Morgan Blackhand is one of the most popular characters in the Cyberpunk universe, so his absence in Cyberpunk 2077 came as quite a surprise. It was obvious the game would focus more on Johnny Silverhand near the end of the marketing cycle, but even then, many didn't think this meant Blackhand had no role in it.
What players do learn throughout Cyberpunk 2077 is that many of Blackhand’s actions are melded into Johnny Silverhand. The nuking of Arasaka Tower, the rivalry against Adam Smasher, and more were all things related to Blackhand, not Silverhand.
There is some speculation that Morgan Blackhand was originally an option that could end up in V’s head, but Blackhand and another engram were removed when Keanu Reeves was cast as Silverhand. Nonetheless, not including or completing cutting out Blackhand was a mistake that Cyberpunk 2077 DLC should correct.
Cyberpunk 2077 DLC and Morgan Blackhand
Although not present in the game, there are a few references to Blackhand. There’s the drink in the Afterlife but also an easily missable report—suggesting someone with his arm killed someone else. It’s a small, not uncommon aspect of life in Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City, but it could be a hook for DLC. What’s important to remember is that, based on ending decisions, any DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 cannot be set after its ending. If it’s a “DLC” that occurs in the middle of the game, a good rationale has to be provided for V since the journey is to save their life.
One potential hook would be that Johnny Silverhand and V learn of a new potential way to save their life, bringing them to a meeting with someone who has a Morgan Blackhand engram in their head (perhaps, with the arm even, being Blackhand in control and trying to recreate his own look—like Silverhand did). It could be simpler, with Blackhand somehow being alive and potentially having an idea for V's conundrum. This could open up a new story offering V an alternative way to save themselves or to live with Silverhand, although the endings suggest this is impossible. Either way, bringing in Blackhand in this manner would fit into the game quite well.
Obviously, CD Projekt Red has its own plans for Cyberpunk 2077’s premium expansions. It’s probably not going to be as simple as that, but it would be wise to bring Morgan Blackhand back. It all remains to be seen, of course, but perhaps fans will learn more about these expansions in the coming months.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
