First Details Revealed for Cyberpunk 2077 Movie, Will Take Creative Liberties with the Game’s Story

CD Projekt Red has revealed that a live-action film adaptation of Cyberpunk 2077 is in the works, produced by Paramount Pictures. While the specifics were initially limited, we now have a clearer picture of the film’s direction.

CD Projekt Red CEO Michał Nowakowski shared in an interview that the film will not be a direct retelling of the game. “At this point, we can only say that we definitely don’t want to make a film adaptation of the game,” he stated. “We want to tell a story in the world of Cyberpunk, but it won’t be a one-to-one translation of the game’s story.”

This approach mirrors what CDPR did with the Netflix animated series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Collaborating with Studio Trigger, known for hits like Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, they crafted an original narrative set in the Cyberpunk universe. Directed by Studio Trigger co-founder Hiroyuki Imaishi, the series featured a screenplay co-written by CDPR’s franchise creative director Bartosz Sztybor, alongside Masahiko Otsuka and Yoshiki Usa. Fans can look forward to a second season premiering on October 20.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners not only delivered a compelling standalone story but also played a crucial role in restoring the reputation of Cyberpunk 2077 following its rocky launch. Despite selling millions after years of anticipation, the game faced significant issues at launch, particularly on consoles, which impacted CDPR’s standing in the industry. Released in 2022, Edgerunners received acclaim and reignited interest in the game, which had undergone extensive updates and fixes. A film adaptation could further expand its player base.

While information about the film’s cast and crew remains scarce, earlier reports suggest that producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is involved. He is currently engaged in a new Transformers live-action project with Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay at Paramount Pictures. Di Bonaventura has a history of executive producing video game adaptations, including 2015’s Dead Rising: Watchtower and 2019’s Doom: Annihilation.

The future of Cyberpunk promises to delve into authentic characters, real stakes, and a narrative that resonates more deeply than the chrome-filled world of 2077.