Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 draws inspiration from acclaimed crime films, including Pulp Fiction, City of God, and Mean Streets, according to showrunner Bartosz Sztybor. The creative team behind the Netflix sequel used these cinematic influences to develop a distinct atmosphere for its new story, which follows a different group of mercenaries in Night City.
In an interview with Gizmodo’s io9, Sztybor explained that he pitched the sequel to Japanese animation studio TRIGGER as an homage to 1990s cinema. He named Pulp Fiction and Léon: The Professional among his main inspirations, alongside City of God, Cinema Paradiso, and Mean Streets.
Sztybor also highlighted the creative connection he developed with director Kai Ikarashi, explaining that they frequently exchanged movie references while discussing individual scenes. He teased that A Clockwork Orange influenced one particularly surprising moment in the series, suggesting that the sequel will push its dark and violent atmosphere in unexpected directions.
KAI IKARASHI GIVES THE SEQUEL A RETRO ANIME IDENTITY
Although Sztybor initially focused on 1990s cinema, Ikarashi took the concept further by drawing inspiration from anime produced during the 1980s and 1990s. Sztybor said the sequel needed to avoid repeating the original series’ artistic approach, with the team deliberately pursuing a different visual identity.
The result is a more exaggerated character style that distinguishes the new cast from David Martinez and his crew. CD Projekt RED’s artists also contributed to character development, with Sztybor confirming that Weak and Avida’s designs originated at the game studio.
The sequel follows new characters rather than continuing David Martinez’s story. Sztybor described Weak as the opposite of David, explaining that the veteran mercenary loses his cyberware and must rebuild his life. This shift allows the series to revisit familiar themes while examining the less glamorous consequences of the edgerunner lifestyle.
Music also plays a role in establishing the sequel’s identity. The Cure’s “10:15 Saturday Night” was selected as the opening theme after director Kai Ikarashi suggested it, a choice Sztybor enthusiastically supported.
All 10 episodes of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 are now streaming on Netflix. The creative team’s mix of classic crime cinema, retro anime influences, and a new ensemble gives the sequel a distinct approach to the dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077.
