In the years since its tumultuous 2020 launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a game plagued by technical issues into a celebrated title within its genre. This renaissance is credited not only to the tireless efforts of CD Projekt Red's developers in fixing the game and the critical success of the Phantom Liberty expansion but also to a pivotal cultural event: the 2022 release of the Netflix anime series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The anime, which garnered an impressive 8.3/10 on IMDb and a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, dramatically renewing interest in the Cyberpunk universe. Now, in 2026, with fans having eagerly awaited new animated content for over four years, recent statements from CD Projekt leadership have reignited hope and speculation about the future of storytelling within Night City.
CD Projekt's Hint at New Animated Projects
During a recent earnings call, Michał Nowakowski, Joint CEO of CD Projekt, was directly questioned about the studio's plans for further animation projects within the Cyberpunk franchise. This inquiry came after the team had previously confirmed that Phantom Liberty would be the sole major expansion for the original Cyberpunk 2077 game, with a sequel—codenamed Project Orion—already in development. When specifically asked about the possibility of a sequel to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Nowakowski provided a tantalizingly open-ended response, stating that the studio is indeed exploring various animation-related ideas. This marks a significant shift from earlier post-Edgerunners comments by CD Projekt's Japanese community manager, Satoru Honma, who had suggested the anime was intended as a standalone story. The definitive and emotionally resonant conclusion of Edgerunners made this stance understandable, yet Nowakowski's latest remarks have opened the door to new possibilities.
The Case For and Against an Edgerunners Sequel
The debate among the fanbase is intense. On one side, many argue that the tragic, finite ending of David Martinez and Lucy's story is perfect as it is; a direct sequel could risk undermining its powerful emotional impact. The narrative achieved a poignant closure that resonated deeply with viewers. However, a passionate contingent of fans has been vocal in their desire for more, pleading for a continuation that explores the aftermath or provides closure for surviving characters. The timing of CD Projekt's statement is strategic, capitalizing on the enduring love for a series that premiered four years ago. Edgerunners was so influential that it inspired CD Projekt to integrate new elements and quests directly into Cyberpunk 2077, further weaving the anime and game together. This sustained connection demonstrates the lasting power of the anime and fuels the desire for its return.
Exploring Alternative Animation Avenues
Even if a direct Edgerunners sequel is not in the cards, the expansive world of Cyberpunk offers a wealth of untapped potential for new animated projects. CD Projekt has numerous compelling avenues to explore:
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Prequel Series: A project focusing on the formative years of Edgerunners characters before they crossed paths with David Martinez. Exploring the backstories of characters like the veteran Maine, the enigmatic Kiwi, or even the legendary solo Adam Smasher could provide rich, new narratives.
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Side-Story Expansion: An anime that delves deeper into the life of a supporting character from Edgerunners, such as Falco or Rebecca, offering a fresh perspective on the events of the original series and adding new layers to the established lore.
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Game Character Focus: With Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty featuring a roster of incredibly popular characters, an anime could follow the exploits of figures like Johnny Silverhand, Judy Alvarez, Panam Palmer, or even the mysterious Songbird. Their stories are ripe for deeper exploration.
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A Brand New Story: Perhaps the most exciting possibility is a completely original tale set in the sprawling dystopia of Night City or beyond its borders. The Cyberpunk universe is vast, filled with unexplored corporations, gangs, and neon-lit secrets waiting for a new cast of edgerunners to uncover.
The Horizon Looks Bright
Whatever form it takes, the confirmation that CD Projekt is actively considering new animation has electrified the Cyberpunk community. It would be a missed opportunity for the studio not to build upon the monumental success of Edgerunners. The anime proved that the world of Cyberpunk is a fertile ground for gripping, character-driven stories that transcend the medium of video games. While concrete details or release timelines remain under wraps, the promise alone is a powerful beacon for fans. It assures them that the legacy of Edgerunners was not an endpoint but a spectacular proof of concept. The future of Cyberpunk animation is officially on the table, and a new story is undoubtedly on the horizon, waiting to once again pull viewers into the relentless, beautiful chaos of Night City.
Potential Future Cyberpunk Animation Concepts:
| Concept Type | Description | Fan Appeal Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sequel | Continues Lucy's story or follows a new crew in post-Edgerunners Night City. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High demand, but narrative risk) |
| Prequel Series | Explores the early days of Maine's crew or the rise of Arasaka. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Deep lore expansion) |
| Game Character Spin-off | Focused series on V, Johnny Silverhand, or Phantom Liberty characters. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Strong connection to game fans) |
| Original Story | A completely new tale with new characters in a different district or time period. | ⭐⭐⭐ (Unlimited creative freedom) |
The wait for more information may continue, but the spark has been lit. The conversation has moved from "if" to "what form," and that in itself is a thrilling development for anyone invested in the future of the Cyberpunk universe. 😎🔮