Bartosz Sztybor Argues Cyberpunk Reality Inspires Edgerunners 2
In a article for Animation Magazine, writer and producer Bartosz Sztybor argues that the current global climate mirrors the dystopian themes of the cyberpunk genre, serving as the primary creative driver behind Netflix’s upcoming 10-episode series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. Produced by Japan’s Studio Trigger and developed alongside the CD Projekt Red gaming house, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is directed by Kai Ikarashi with lead character designs by Ichigo Kanno. Animation Magazine reported that the 10-episode sequel returns to the fictional California megacity to explore themes of revenge, identity, family bonds, and legacy. Sztybor explains in the piece that adapting a realistic role-playing game into an animated format required capturing the distinct visual identity established by cinematic precursors.
Avid fans of the genre recognize specific stylistic cues, but Sztybor notes that the franchise differentiates itself through its grounded, Californian aesthetic rather than relying solely on traditional tropes. Night City merges elements of contemporary Los Angeles with large Chinese cities and Tokyo, establishing what the production team views as a uniquely original visual footprint for both the gaming and streaming properties.
New Episodes Adopt Multi-Threaded Storytelling in Night City
Unlike the first season, which focused primarily on the relationship and trajectory of characters David and Lucy, the new run of episodes adopts a multi-threaded approach. Sztybor compares this structural choice to Quentin Tarantino’s filmmaking style, featuring six to eight different characters pursuing distinct goals whose paths intersect through cause-and-effect storytelling. The veteran assassin character named Weak anchors several of these intertwining plots across the dark alleys and boulevards of Night City.
“It’s the worst time for cyberpunk,” Sztybor tells Animation Magazine, referring to the state of the world as the show’s sophomore season is released. “That’s why it’s so popular, because unfortunately we are living in the cyberpunk reality right now.”
The writer-producer points out that while the genre originated during a period when the 1970s and 1980s viewed corporate rule as a distant dark future, contemporary society now sees corporations holding pervasive influence. The expanding media landscape surrounding the IP now includes the original video game Cyberpunk 2077, the upcoming sequel series, and classic foundational properties like Blade Runner, Neuromancer, and Ghost in the Shell.
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