Cyberpunk Movie to Feature Original Storyline
CD Projekt Red confirms the upcoming live-action project will avoid adapting the video game's plot directly.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Animation
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CD Projekt Red has confirmed that its upcoming live-action Cyberpunk film will center on an original story rather than retell the video game's narrative. The studio is partnering with Paramount and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura to bring the project to life.
Why it matters
The studio opted for an original narrative to ensure the film does not overwrite the unique player choices made during individual game playthroughs. By treating the Cyberpunk universe as a setting, developers aim to build a broader cinematic experience.
The Cyberpunk: Edgerunners animated series holds a 100% critic score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This success informs the studio's expansion into live-action formats.
The players
CD Projekt Red
The Polish video game developer is the studio behind the Cyberpunk franchise and the Witcher series.
Paramount
This major film studio is the production partner for the upcoming live-action project.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura
He is a prolific Hollywood producer best known for his work on the Transformers film franchise.
The details
The film production moved to Paramount after a contract with Anonymous Content expired. Veteran producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is currently attached to oversee the development of the project.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The film project was first revealed by Deadline.
October 20, 2026: A sequel series to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners premieres on Netflix.
2028-2029: The live-action film might be released.
Industry Dynamics
This film project follows the critical and commercial success established by the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime. It reflects a wider industry trend where studios leverage successful transmedia storytelling to expand gaming properties into live-action cinema.
Fans can look forward to a new expansion of the franchise that does not require prior experience with the video game's specific plot choices. While the film is expected to arrive in 2028 or 2029, viewers can access the franchise's world through the upcoming Netflix sequel series.
The takeaway
By avoiding a direct game adaptation, the production team gains creative freedom to explore the Night City setting without conflict. This approach mirrors successful genre extensions that prioritize world-building over rote source material recreation.
What happens next
A standalone sequel series to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more news on digital-to-film adaptations, visit the Animation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Movieweb.
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