Summary
Now that the sequel toCyberpunk 2077has begun its development, there are plenty of questions about where CD Projekt Red will take the franchise next. Codenamed Project Orion, the follow-up toCyberpunk 2077will likely elevate the game’s lore, but one of the biggest points of speculation is about whom the protagonist will be.
Depending on which endingCyberpunk 2077considers canon, V could easily return as the series protagonist, but this may not be the best route to take. CD Projekt Red is beginning to experiment with its lead characters, which could also influence Project Orion. It has recently been claimed thatGeralt will return inThe Witcher 4, but he won’t be the main character. It’s more likely that the titular Witcher will serve as a mentor to the game’s next protagonist or even just as a cameo. Although Project Orion is in its infancy, taking inspiration fromThe Witcher 4may be the best choice.
Project Orion Casting V in a Brand-New Role
Passing the Mantle Off to a Fresh Character
There are several endings for V, leaving the character’s fate uncertain. However, there are two options that make the most sense for V to continue as a character in Project Orion.The Star and The Tower endings give V hope, even if the latter offers them a cure at a major cost. Regardless, these endings leave V with a chance at happiness, and Project Orion throwing the character through the ringer again doesn’t exactly seem necessary.
Instead, V could serve as a mentor to whoever Project Orion’s new protagonist happens to be. There is even the potential forV to serve as a Fixer in Project Orion. This would give the character a chance to be an important part of the story despite not being playable. Getting the opportunity to see Night City through the eyes of a new character can help Project Orion avoid feeling like a recycled version of the same game, but including V in a smaller role at least offers a sense of familiarity.
It’s likely that Project Orion will add several new characters tothe fabric of Night City, but to what extent is unknown. Geralt is in a similar situation. It’s exciting to know that the iconic character will at least have some role inThe Witcher 4, but featuring the character only as a cameo could be disappointing. The same goes for V. Even if the character doesn’t feel necessary to be used in Project Orion’s main role, ignoring the character entirely could make the story feel hollow. However, the biggest issue with putting V in the role of a supporting character is what version of V Project Orion will even consider canon.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Customization Puts Project Orion in a Tough Position With V
Cyberpunk 2077’s character creator allows players to craft their own unique versions of V. There is a case to be made thatthe character creator inCyberpunk 2077is ultimately useless, but it’s still a fun feature that could make V whoever players wanted them to be. However, this makes one wonder what version of V CD Projekt Red would consider canon for a Project Orion appearance. There are the default feminine and masculine versions of V that were used in the game’s marketing, so that would be the most likely option. The only problem with this is that it gives more weight to the stance thatCyberpunk 2077’s character creator should have been omitted from the game.
Whichever route CD Projekt Red takes,Project Orion’s character lineupis likely to feature a mix of old and new faces to help tell another fascinating dystopian story. Project Orion is probably years away from any substantial reveal, and it will be intriguing to see what developers decide to do with V’s character.
