CD Projekt Red has clarified the direction of its upcoming Cyberpunk movie, stating it will not serve as a direct film adaptation of the 2020 video game. Co-CEO Micha Nowakowski confirmed that the studio is pursuing a new formula for the live-action project, which will tell an original story within the established universe rather than retelling the events of the game.
Partnership with Paramount Pictures
The announcement follows a shift in production partners for the project. CD Projekt Red previously worked with Anonymous Content on a live-action initiative announced in 2023, but that collaboration concluded when the contract expired. The studio has since entered into a new cooperation agreement with Paramount Pictures to develop the film.
Nowakowski provided details on the change in strategy during an interview with Polish business outlet PAP Biznes. He explained that the studio seized the opportunity to redefine the project while transitioning to the new partner. The goal is to create a live-action Cyberpunk project that operates independently from the game’s narrative structure.
A New Story in Night City
The decision to avoid a one-to-one translation of the game’s plot appears to be a deliberate creative choice. Nowakowski stated that the studio wants to tell a story in the world of Cyberpunk without being bound by the specific events of the video game. This approach allows filmmakers to explore the setting of Night City without the constraints of adapting V’s journey.
This strategy mirrors the success of other recent adaptations based on video game properties. The animated series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, which premiered on Netflix, took the game’s setting and characters as a starting point but created its own distinct narrative. Similarly, the Resident Evil film franchise built its own storyline around the game’s universe rather than following the games directly. Both projects were praised for allowing creators to work within a framework without being tethered to specific game mechanics or plot points.
The game itself is an interpretation of Mike Pondsmith’s Cyberpunk tabletop role-playing setting. By treating the film as another interpretation rather than a direct translation, CD Projekt Red aims to give the new creators freedom to innovate. This method avoids the risk of unflattering comparisons that often arise when films attempt to replicate a beloved game’s story exactly.
Details regarding the release date or specific plot points of the film remain scarce. The project is still in early development stages. Meanwhile, the studio continues to expand the Cyberpunk brand through other media, with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 scheduled to debut on Netflix on October 20.
Source: PC Gamer
