Live-Action ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ Project Officially In Development At Anonymous Content

With the release of a massive update to the video game “Cyberpunk 2077” from developers alongside the “Phantom Liberty,” the new expansion story. It looks like there is now some renewed interest in adapting further incarnations into other forms of media after the Netflix anime series “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.”

Today, the video game developers CD Projekt Red (“The Witcher”) have announced they have partnered with Anonymous Content (“True Detective,” “Spotlight”) to put together a “live-action project.” The press release stops short of revealing if they’re aiming for it to be aired on TV/streaming or will head to the big screen. But does mention they’ll now be seeking a screenwriter, which could indicate the desire to do a feature film within this mature cyberpunk universe. Also, stating it’ll be a “brand-new story,” likely means they won’t be adapting existing plots for this project.

CD PROJEKT RED Partners With Anonymous Content to Develop Live-Action Project

“The new project is at an early development stage and has currently commenced searching for a screenwriter to tell a brand-new story set in the world of ‘Cyberpunk 2077,'” the developers said in their official press release. “Anonymous Content’s AC Studios will serve as the studio on the project. The project will be developed in close collaboration with the ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ creative team.”

In “Cyberpunk 2077,” users play as V, as they attempt to navigate the seedy world of Night City and the newly explored Dogtown. A near-future fictionalized dangerous cyberpunk world filled with corporate espionage, gangs, advanced weapons, robotics/cyborgs, and cybernetic body enhancements. Taking all the best elements from sci-fi properties like “Dredd,” “Ghost In The Shell,” “Elysium,” and “Akira.”

John Wick 4's Director Used An Unusual Method To Cast Rina Sawayama

I think of I’m getting sick of Hollywood’s version of cyberpunk mostly revolving around white characters when a huge aspect of the sci-fi sub-genre is steeped within the aesthetics and culture of Japan. It would be really smart on the part of AC Studios to consider hiring an actor of Asian descent to play the project’s protagonist. One person who jumps out to us is singer and “John Wick 4” breakout Rina Sawayama.

Given CD Prokect Red’s working relationship with Netflix for “The Witcher” and “Edgerunners” I don’t think it would shock anyone if Netflix got their mits on “Cyberpunk.” Interestingly enough, both action stars Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba are already featured as supporting in-game characters. Hopefully, they end up getting involved and reprising their “Cyberpunk” roles in this new project given how quickly fans have embraced their involvement. Having those two attached, the famous faces of the game could get a lot of eyeballs and it does a lot of the heavy lifting to convince fans to support it.

SOURCE: CD PROJEKT RED

Jodie Turner-Smith Exits Netflix’s Prequel Series ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’

Netflix is looking to expand The Witcher franchise as the flagship series starring Henry Cavill recently wrapped filming on Season 2. The streaming giant is assembling a cast for their spinoff series The Witcher: Blood Origin, a prequel that takes place many years before the adventures of Cavill’s Geralt of Rivia.

Set 1,200 years before the world of The Witcher, Blood Origin will tell the story of the creation of the first prototype Witcher, and the events that lead to the pivotal ‘conjunction of the spheres’, when the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one.

Originally, Netflix had cast rising star Jodie Turner-Smith, who will be seen later this month in Michael B. Jordan’s upcoming Amazon action flick Without Remorse, in a prime lead role of Eile. Scheduling issues has led to Jodie exiting the fantasy project, according to a report from Deadline. A new actress hasn’t been named at this time but the warrior role will indeed be recast.

Irish actor Laurence O’Fuarain (Game of Thrones, Vikings) had recently joined the series in the role of Fjall.

The original series is based on the novels by Polish fantasy author Andrzej Sapkowski that was eventually turned into the internationally popular video game franchise from CD Projekt Red. Netflix is also developing an 10-episode anime series based on their new game release Cyberpunk 2077 that will be titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and seems like only a matter of a time before a live-action project is announced.

SOURCE: DEADLINE