Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' Ending Was Heartbreaking, But Writer Reveals It Could Have Been Worse
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the critically acclaimed anime series from Studio Trigger and CD Projekt Red, has been hailed for its emotional depth and tragic storytelling. However, writer Bartosz Sztybor has revealed that the series' ending was actually one of the more hopeful options available. In a recent interview with Anime Corner, Sztybor hinted that the show's already heartbreaking conclusion could have been even more devastating.
Sztybor, who worked on the series, shared that the story of David and Lucy was never meant to have a happy resolution. He mentioned that there were multiple endings considered, some of which were even more tragic than the one that ultimately made it to Netflix in 2022. "There was never a happy ending. There were even worse endings," Sztybor said. "There was one ending in which David doesn't die entirely. Arasaka gets him and he ends up fighting in Africa or South America in corporate wars as a robot."
The final episode of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a tearjerker, with David Martinez's journey coming to a bittersweet close. The show's climax sees Lucy fulfilling her dream of traveling to the moon, while David sacrifices himself to save her. The final scenes, accompanied by Rosa Walton's "I Really Want to Stay at Your House," have left many fans in emotional turmoil.
Sztybor's comments suggest that the ending fans saw was just one of many possibilities. The show's creators had to make tough decisions about which moments to include and which to cut. For example, the alternate ending where David survives as a robot fighting in corporate wars could have added an even more somber tone to the series' conclusion.
What's Next for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Despite the emotional weight of its ending, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has left room for more stories to be told. The characters from Season 1 are now featured as side content in the Cyberpunk 2077 game, and a second season of the show is in development. While no official release date has been set, more details are expected to be revealed on June 29.
In addition to the upcoming season, a prequel manga featuring Rebecca, one of the main characters, was released in February. This expansion of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners universe suggests that the story is far from over, and fans can look forward to more adventures in Night City.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has proven to be a powerful narrative, blending intense action with deep emotional beats. While the show's ending may have been one of the more hopeful options available, it still managed to leave a lasting impact on viewers. With more content on the way, the future of the series remains as uncertain and compelling as ever.