The already tragic conclusion to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners could have been even more devastating, according to series writer Bartosz Sztybor. Speaking with Anime Corner, Sztybor revealed that several alternate endings were considered, some of which presented a far bleaker fate for the protagonists.
"There was never a happy ending. There were even worse endings," Sztybor stated. He elaborated on one specific alternative where the protagonist, David Martinez, does not die. Instead, Arasaka would have captured him, forcing him into corporate wars in Africa or South America as a cyborg.
The 10-episode anime, a collaboration between Studio Trigger and CD Projekt Red, is known for its unflinching depiction of Night City's brutality and the tragic arcs of its characters. The aired ending sees David ultimately fall to Adam Smasher, while Lucy achieves her dream of traveling to the moon.
Sztybor's comments suggest that the final moments, with Lucy looking down at Earth set to Rosa Walton's "I Really Want to Stay at Your House," were just one possibility among many more sorrowful conclusions. While the existing ending offers a bittersweet resolution, the existence of potentially more dire alternatives indicates that the writers explored the darkest narrative possibilities for the series.
Fans seeking more content related to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners can find the show's characters integrated into Cyberpunk 2077 as side content. A second season of the anime is reportedly in development, though no release date has been announced. Further details are expected on June 29. Additionally, a prequel manga focusing on Rebecca was released in February.