Keanu Reeves' Secret Level Episode Perfectly Flips His Other Video Game Character

Prime Video's Secret Level has gotten off to a great start, and Keanu Reeves had a major role in its Armored Core episode, which perfectly flipped the actor's most iconic video game character. Having delivered a phenomenal performance in a popular video game four years ago, Reeves once again entered the world of gaming, this time through Prime Video's adaptation of Armored Core. The gritty, action-packed episode showed he could excel in a unique environment, and while the two IPs may be different, another strong gaming-based role sets up Reeves' upcoming appearance as Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

However, the actor's involvement in Secret Level episode 8 has an even bigger connection to his 2020 hit, Cyberpunk 2077. Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk managed to turn its fortunes around and win over players after years of updates and a critically acclaimed expansion. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners only enhanced the franchise's reputation and, with Keanu Reeves playing one of its most important characters, he became synonymous with the game. Although Cyberpunk's Johnny Silverhand and Secret Level's Pilot actually have a lot in common, one major dynamic is reversed in Reeves' new show, drawing a fun comparison between the two projects.

Secret Level Flips Reeves’ Construct Dynamic From Cyberpunk 2077

Keanu Reeves' Secret Level Protagonist Has A Character Inside His Head, Which Is The Opposite Of His Cyberpunk Role

Close

One of the most interesting aspects of Cyberpunk's Johnny Silverhand is that he appears as a construct inside the protagonist's head. Although he was once real, the version of Johnny that V interacts with isn't the original rockstar, as he died over 50 years before the events of the game. He still has Johnny's memories and personality, but he only interacts with V, other than in flashback scenes or when he's given control of the protagonist's body. This creates a unique dynamic, but Secret Level flipped it by having Pilot be the one with a voice inside his head.

Secret Level's next batch of episodes will be released on December 17, 2024.

Rather than Reeves playing the construct, he is the one dealing with an internal voice in the Armored Core adaptation, as a woman talks solely to Pilot during the episode. Although the exact reason for the voice's existence goes unexplained, it's clear only Pilot can hear her, completely reversing the actor's Cyberpunk role. Instead of joking around and judging someone in isolation as Johnny does in Cyberpunk, Pilot is forced to try and converse with an individual who other people can't see, showing how cleverly Secret Level flipped Keanu Reeves' iconic video game performance, despite both franchises being completely different.

Keanu Reeves’ Cyberpunk & Secret Level Characters Have A Lot Of Similarities

Both Characters Are Troubled Souls With Big Egos

Close

Despite their roles being reversed, Reeves' two video game-based characters have plenty in common. Both characters mainly interact with one specific person, as despite Pilot drinking at a bar and fighting with other mech pilots, his only real dialog is with the voice in his head. Similarly, Johnny predominantly interacts with V outside his flashback scenes, and while there are a few exceptions to this like his conversation with Alt in cyberspace and his date with Rogue, both of Reeves' characters are limited in this regard, which adds to how unique Pilot and Johnny are.

Related Every Video Game Remake In Secret Level Prime Video's upcoming anthology series will adapt various video games, with Secret Level providing a unique take on these popular IPs.

Additionally, both men come across as relatively isolated individuals who have big egos. Johnny Silverhand's sarcastic quotes and brash attitude are defining aspects of his personality, and while he is undeniably likable, he is still extremely flawed and sees himself as special, often making selfish decisions that hurt other people. Likewise, Pilot has the chance to integrate with modern society and share a drink with people at a bar, but he instantly gets violent as soon as someone tries to converse with him, showing his isolated nature.

Pilot also claims there is no one else like him, and even when he finds other mech pilots, he still sees himself as above them. Ultimately, both characters restrict their trust to a limited number of people and don't care what anyone else thinks, highlighting just how like-minded Johnny and Pilot are despite their different worlds and circumstances.

Prime Video’s Armored Core Adaptation Picked The Perfect Role For Reeves

Reeves' More Isolated Character Allowed Him To Stand Out & Leave A Big Impression

Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Secret Level has plenty of well-known names involved, but Keanu Reeves is one of the biggest, making it all the more relieving that the show gave him the perfect role. While Reeves is a huge star, he has some clear strengths which his most noteworthy performances lean into, and Secret Level is no exception. Just like in Cyberpunk, Reeves' limited number of interactions suits him well, as the troubled loner type is a much better fit for the actor rather than playing a livelier character in some vibrant environment.

Appearing in the Warhammer 40,000 or Sifu episode wouldn't have been the greatest use of Reeves' talents, as his one-liners and blunt dialog are some of his greatest attributes.

Appearing in the Warhammer 40,000 or Sifu episode wouldn't have been the greatest use of his talents, as his one-liners and blunt dialog are some of his greatest attributes which these stories lack. On the flip side, something like the New World episode is a little too goofy for Reeves' usual work, whereas Arnold Schwarzenegger slotted in seamlessly. Having Reeves play a more aggressive and spiteful role as he fleshed out the relationship with his internal voice worked excellently, and the futuristic combat isn't new to him either, making the brutal and unforgiving world of Armored Core a great fit.

Getting the chance to show a slightly cocky nature while also being flawed and distressed really helped Reeves' performance stand out in Secret Level, confirming that Prime Video nailed the casting for the new anthology series.