Cyberpunk: Edgerunners showrunner Bartosz Sztybor has spoken about the possibility of V appearing in the anime, the nature of canon endings in Cyberpunk 2077, and the future of the series. In an interview, Sztybor clarified the significance of certain visual elements and discussed CD Projekt Red's approach to building the Cyberpunk franchise.
Eagle-eyed fans have speculated about a potential cameo from V, the protagonist of Cyberpunk 2077, in the anime, particularly in a scene within a data archive that features a wall of images. Sztybor stated that this was intentionally left for interpretation. He also noted that the dialogue in that scene is important, suggesting it offers clues about the world's state.
Sztybor explained that while Easter eggs are not a primary focus, elements are included to make the world feel alive and to foster a sense of franchise continuity. The goal is to create standalone stories that offer catharsis without requiring prior knowledge of other Cyberpunk media. However, references are integrated when they serve a narrative purpose, contributing to a larger, interconnected universe.
Regarding the continuity between the anime and the game, particularly for potential future seasons like Edgerunners 2, Sztybor confirmed that discussions with CD Projekt Red's lore team occur. These conversations aim to satisfy all possible game endings and establish the world state post-2077. However, he stressed that they do not aim to declare one specific ending as canon. Instead, the anime offers suggestions that hint at the world's condition, leaving room for interpretation and future exploration in other media.
Sztybor elaborated on the concept of canon, explaining that while there is an established canon, particularly for events predating the game, the post-game canon is less detailed. A key piece of post-game canon information is that Arasaka is weakened, which opens up narrative possibilities. This allows the series to explore the city in different ways without locking into a single canonical ending for the game.
CD Projekt Red's strategy, Sztybor shared, is to build a franchise through standalone stories that fans can connect. This approach encourages audience engagement by providing questions rather than definitive answers, allowing fans to piece together narratives and discover subtle connections across different pieces of media.
When asked about the possibility of Edgerunners Season 3, Sztybor expressed openness, noting that ideas for more stories already exist. He emphasized that any new season would require a perfect story and the right creative team, citing the collaboration with Studio Trigger for Season 2 after initial hesitations. He indicated that he presented a pitch for Season 2 that impressed Studio Trigger, leading to its development. The potential for Season 3 hinges on similar circumstances, ensuring that any continuation meets a high standard and offers a distinct vision, rather than a simple sequel.