Netflix and Studio Trigger to Launch New Standalone Cyberpunk Anime
A second series set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe debuts October 20, 2026, featuring a new cast and director.
Netflix and Studio Trigger have officially announced a second standalone anime series set within the Cyberpunk 2077 universe. The new production is scheduled to premiere on October 20, 2026.
According to official announcements from Netflix and CD Projekt Red, the upcoming series will deviate from the plot of the first season. Rather than serving as a direct continuation, the show is designed as a standalone story featuring an entirely new cast of characters. Kai Ikarashi, who previously served as the animation co-director for the first season, will take over as the director for this new installment.
Expanding the Night City Lore
The original Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was a critical and commercial success that provided a significant boost to the popularity of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game. While the first season was led by director Hiroyuki Imaishi, the production of the second series shifts leadership to Ikarashi. Despite the change in direction, the project retains key creative collaborators, including Masahiko Otsuka and Bartosz Sztybor, to maintain the visual and atmospheric continuity of the franchise.
A Transmedia Strategy
The return to Night City signals a broader strategic commitment from CD Projekt Red to evolve the Cyberpunk IP into a comprehensive transmedia franchise. By opting for a standalone format rather than a sequel, the creators can explore different facets of the city's lore and social strata. This approach allows the writers to introduce new narratives without being constrained by the definitive and tragic conclusion of the first season's protagonists.
What to Watch
While the release date and directorial shift are confirmed, further details regarding the specific plot and character arcs remain under wraps. Industry observers will be watching to see how the new series leverages the established world-building of the game and the first anime to attract both returning fans and new viewers. The project represents a key test of whether the Cyberpunk brand can sustain multiple distinct narratives within the same setting, proving that the neon-soaked streets of Night City have enough depth to support an expanding cinematic universe beyond a single story arc.