Who is Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC?

Aryan Singh
Idris Elba's Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty introduces a mysterious new character named Solomon Reed. As actor Idris Elba brings his magnetic presence to Reed’s towering figure, here’s everything to know about him, including his background and more.


Cyberpunk 2077 has called upon Idris Elba to play an important role in its first major expansion, Phantom Liberty The English actor joins Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand as V embarks on a dangerous adventure through Dogtown.

This isn’t Elba’s first venture in the world of video games, as he previously played the role of Sergeant First Class Truck in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed is an integral part of Phantom Liberty, and there’s a lot to unpack about the character for new and returning players alike.

Here’s everything we know about Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed, including his background, and more.

Who does Idris Elba play in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC?

Idris Elba fills the shoes of Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty. CD Projekt RED revealed the news of his casting to plenty of fanfare. The actor shares the screen with Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Silverhand in the game.

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Solomon Reed
Idris Elba plays the role of a sleeper agent in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty.

While speaking to Kotaku, Cyberpunk 2077 quest director Pawel Sasko stated that Reed’s character was written with Idris Elba in mind. This has allowed them to approach the character differently, also making a major difference to the overall experience.

Who is Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC?

Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty is an active agent for the NUSA Federal Intelligence Agency with plenty of experience under his belt and thus serves as an important character in the story. He was also responsible for the recruitment of braindance actress Alena Xenakis into the FIA.

Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty
Solomon Reed joins V’s quest to save the NUSA’s President in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty.

During the Unification War, Reed took fresh FIA recruit Song So Mi under his wing. The pair developed a friendship with Mi earning Reed’s trust. However, the bond eventually imploded in typical Night City fashion. As shown off in Phantom Liberty’s Cinematic Trailer, Mi betrays Reed and leaves him at the mercy of Arasaka troopers who manage to shoot him down.

Despite being left for dead, Reed mysteriously survives the assault and joins V in Phantom Liberty’s story 7 years later. He is present in Dogtown on a covert mission as a sleeper agent.

Reed brings a commanding presence to the screen and he is also full of snappy one-liners. The character often speaks on the topic of treason, which suggests that he is constantly in a moral quandary. Given his personal history with Song So Mi, who goes on to become the President’s right hand, Reed could possibly contemplate a betrayal of his own.

Will Idris Elba’s music be in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC?

To everyone’s surprise, Idris Elba has lent his voice and mixing skills to Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty’s music. The actor produced two songs for the game’s brand-new Dark Star radio station. Elba raps on both tracks, and it doesn’t end there.

The actor’s deejaying chops are also on full display when players tune in to the brand-new Impulse radio station. His thumping electronic beats are packed with modern flair and a style befitting the vibe of Night City.

For more Cyberpunk 2077, check out our other guides:

Does Cyberpunk 2077 have New Game Plus? | The 5 best Cyberware pieces in Cyberpunk 2077 | How to pick the right Lifepath in Cyberpunk 2077 | How to earn money quickly and get rich fast in Cyberpunk 2077 | Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty skill tree overhaul explained: All new skills | All new features in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC

About The Author

Aryan is a Games Writer at CharlieIntel who specializes in sports and racing games, including EA Sports FC, NBA 2K, and Forza. He's also a big fan of massive RPGs such as Starfield, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk. Aryan has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and previously wrote for sports websites Pride of London, Sportsmanor, LWOF, and Thick Accent. You can contact him at [email protected].