Following the successful release ofCyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty DLC and update 2.0, CDPR announcedProject Orion, a sequel to the AAA title.Cyberpunk 2077’s Patch 2.2, released about a month ago, heralded the end of an era for the developer, signaling the end of all development efforts for the blockbuster and the diversion of most of the studio’s resources to craftingThe Witcher 4andProject Orion. However, sinceProject Orionis still ostensibly years away from any concrete release timetable, the franchise needs to get creative to keep its content fresh in the public consciousness.
That said, there has been a recent surge in live-action adaptations of popular gaming IPs, and it could present a golden opportunity for CD Projekt Red to keep momentum while fans await the appearance of the next franchise installment.
Cyberpunk 2077 Has the Star Power to Explore Branching Out into Movies
Live-action movie and series adaptations of popular video games are not particularly new, but the number and quality of entries have grown rapidly in recent years. The ratings of theUnchartedmovie,The Last of Us, and theFalloutseries speak for themselves, and it is evident that there’s a largely untapped audience for more game developers to tap into.
CD Projekt Red has made inroads into exploring this genre with theCyberpunk: Edgerunnersanime, which is reportedly set to receive another sequel. However, the developer could step its game up a notch by bringing the vibrant and dystopian world of Night City to life in a live-action setting.
Idris Elba, who plays Solomon Reed in theCyberpunk 2077Phantom Liberty expansion, expressed interest in a live-action adaptation as he believed it would be particularly interesting to reunite with Keanu Reeves, who plays Johnny Silverhand in the title. Elba aired his thoughts during a promotional interview forSonic the Hedgehog 3– a project he also shares with Keanu Reeves.
Known for their versatile acting skills and screen presence, these A-listers also boast massive followings, which could significantly boost the project’s visibility and appeal to the general public. Since the actors are already involved inCyberpunk 2077’s lore, it would make the transition from video game to silver screen a more seamless procedure, and it stands to reason that their appearance would preserve the essence of the franchise’s storyline.
A Live-Action Cyberpunk 2077 Title May Not be Far Away
In October 2023, CD Projekt Red announced it had plans afoot for a live-action project, but specifics and updates have been hard to come by in the months since. As such, it is unclear if the studio would toe the line of Elba’s suggestions and retell the game’s events while retaining familiar faces and voices, or craft a newNight City plotasCyberpunk: Edgerunnersdid.
The title was projected to be released in 2025 at the earliest, but with no news of castings or plot direction, the chances of getting a release this year are next to none.
SinceEdgerunnersperformed so well on streaming platforms, it isn’t hard to see CDPR erring on the side of caution and building upon the anime’s foundation. However, the animation genre isn’t as far-reaching as live-action productions, and following this trend could be a way for CDPR to maintain fan interest in the franchise whileProject Orionis in its developmental infancy. With the right marketing, aCyberpunk 2077film could attract new viewers while engaging the old fanbase. While not everyone is a gamer, many people are avid moviegoers and would be interested in the premise of a futuristic dystopian world that the franchise provides.
It could also serve as an additional revenue stream that could support the development of the sequel if the project ends up profitable. From CDPR’s experience withCyberpunk: Edgerunners, exponentially increasing the game’s player count, an adaptation starring two of Hollywood’s best might just be enough to quell any unease in the fanbase till they can hop back into Night City to experience whatProject Orionhas in store.
Cyberpunk 2077
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Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
