The Cyberpunk 2077 movie won't be 'a film adaptation of the game,' CD Projekt chief says

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that its upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 live-action project will not be a direct adaptation of the video game. Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the company allowed its previous contract with Anonymous Content to expire and instead partnered with Paramount Pictures to develop a new story within the Cyberpunk universe. The decision reflects a deliberate shift away from replicating the game’s plot, aiming instead to explore fresh narratives in Night City. The project was first announced in 2023 but saw no progress until the new agreement was reached.

Nowakowski emphasized that the film will not serve as a one-to-one translation of Cyberpunk 2077’s story, signaling a creative departure from the game’s established narrative. The move aligns with industry precedents where adaptations reinterpret source material rather than replicate it, such as Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. This approach allows creators to leverage the setting’s themes and aesthetics while avoiding direct comparisons to the original game.

The announcement follows the expiration of CD Projekt’s prior contract with Anonymous Content, which had been linked to the initial 2023 project announcement. The new collaboration with Paramount Pictures marks a fresh start for the live-action initiative, though specific details about the film’s plot, cast, or release timeline remain undisclosed. The company has not indicated whether familiar characters or elements from the game will appear in the film.

While the exact timeline for the film’s release is unclear, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on October 20, 2026, offering a separate continuation of the Cyberpunk universe. CD Projekt’s decision to pursue an original story underscores its intent to expand the franchise’s storytelling beyond the game’s established lore.