Among a plethora of other announcements, such as more Witcher games and an original IP, CD Projekt Red confirmed it was working on a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, and this game should make sure to pay the proper respects to Morgan Blackhand. Indeed, one could argue that a proper sequel is CD Projekt Red's second chance at making the game fans originally wanted out of Cyberpunk 2077, and this is a big chance at doing a lot of things right. From a storytelling perspective, Morgan Blackhand is a must.
Although it has never been confirmed, many believe that Morgan Blackhand was cut from Cyberpunk 2077 early in development. He was an optional "hero" in Cyberpunk 2077's original character creator, with the two other options being Johnny Silverhand and Saburo Arasaka. These characters could have been different engrams in V's head if this is true, but these characters were likely cut when Keanu Reeves agreed to play Silverhand. After all, if Reeves is star power in the game, he needs to be that star power for every character.
Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel: Morgan Blackhand Absolutely Needs to Appear
However, in potentially gaining Reeves as Johnny Silverhand, CDPR potentially made the understandable decision to not feature Morgan Blackhand. Blackhand is an icon in Night City and the Cyberpunk universe, with the first game barely referencing him directly. In fact, most of Johnny Silverhand's characterization in Cyberpunk 2077 is from Blackhand's backstory (blowing up Arasaka tower, the beef with Adam Smasher, and so on). Furthermore, Blackhand only has his drink at Afterlife, and one potential commercial suggests he is alive in the entire game, shorting this legend his due respect.
Blackhand is known as the Solo's Solo, with the unique quality of being able to capture his targets alive. He has years of experience and successful Cyberpunk operations under his belt, with a simple motive: money. He is a legend in Night City and to fans of the Cyberpunk universe, long before Cyberpunk 2077 came around. Many wanted to see him in the original, but no dice as it is now apparent. He could appear in Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC, but if CDPR is moving on with a new game too, Blackhand fits better there.
After all, characterizing Blackhand may be simple but reworking his background may not be. Having players become Morgan Blackhand in the sequel would be a great way to correct this mistake, no not as an Engram, but the actual Blackhand. Otherwise, he would make a great leading character to join presumably a new protagonist. Not including Blackhand in Cyberpunk 2077 was a huge missed opportunity for CDPR, and not one it should repeat come the proper sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.