[Photos] ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2’ takes a completely different path from first season; Netflix release set for the 20th after creators visit Korea for premiere screening

An original story told from an entirely new perspective

Netflix's original animated series 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2' will debut exclusively worldwide on the 20th with an entirely new original story that breaks from the narrative of its predecessor. The series promises a bold expansion of the world beyond the conventional trajectory of a sequel.

Honma Satoru, executive producer of Edgerunners at Polish global game company 'CDPR', outlined the series' new direction at a local premiere screening held Oct. 15 at Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul. “This 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2' is not simply an extension of Season 1's story,” he said. “It is an original story that begins from an entirely new perspective, as well as a major challenge for the creative team.”

The series is a follow-up project from 'CDPR' and renowned Japanese animation studio 'TRIGGER' to the previous installment, which sparked a worldwide sensation in 2022. Based on the expansive universe of the globally acclaimed science-fiction role-playing game 'Cyberpunk 2077', it is set to deliver a deeper narrative.

A fusion of multiple perspectives and the theme of family

At the event, 'CDPR' held an advance screening of the first episode of 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2' for Korean media outlets and influencers, revealing the series' key changes.

The most notable narrative shift is the introduction of multiple perspectives. That stands in sharp contrast to the previous installment, whose story unfolded through the eyes of a single protagonist. This season takes the form of an ensemble drama, with the fates of a diverse cast of characters who have never even met becoming intricately entangled on the vast stage of 'Night City'.

Producer Honma identified 'family' as the central theme running through the series. “Beyond simple romance or action, viewers will be able to experience the story's true depth by following the characters' narratives through the multilayered lens of 'family,'” he said.

A sophisticated blend of cel-animation sensibility and modern technology

The explosive, dynamic action animation for which 'TRIGGER' is known is on full display in the new series.

Usa Yoshiki, vice president of 'TRIGGER', discussed both the challenges and achievements of the production. “Translating the high-definition 3D imagery at the level of live-action film pursued by 'CDPR' into traditional, hand-drawn 2D animation required a high level of technical skill,” he said. “The biggest challenge was finding the right pacing to compress a vast, weighty narrative into the roughly 20-minute format of a standardized television anime episode.”

“Our main focus was to reinterpret perfectly, through modern animation technology, the distinctive rough yet appealing sensibility of 1990s cel animation,” he added.

Expanding the original universe while maintaining close ties

The series also stands out for its distinctive visual direction. “The cyberpunk genre typically evokes a gloomy dystopia shrouded in darkness and acid rain, but the world of 'Cyberpunk 2077' and this series combines clear blue skies with the dry, bright air characteristic of the U.S. West Coast,” Usa said, emphasizing its lively visual appeal and departure from convention.

He also offered remarks that heightened anticipation among fans of the original game. “The game and this animated series share the same setting, 'Night City,' and their timelines are closely connected, so there will be numerous links for fans to get excited about,” he said.

Finally, he said, “When we were producing Season 1, there were no plans for a follow-up, but a miracle happened thanks to the overwhelming support and acclaim from fans around the world.” He added, “I hope this series, too, will remain a masterpiece that lives vividly in viewers' memories for 10, 20 years or more.”