Paramount Develops Live-Action 'Cyberpunk 2077' Film with Lorenzo di Bonaventura

Key points

• Paramount Pictures is developing a live-action film set in the 'Cyberpunk 2077' universe, based on CD Projekt Red's best-selling action-adventure RPG.
• Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, known for the 'Transformers' films, is attached to the project alongside CD Projekt Red, the game's developer and rights holder.
• The game, which has sold over 40 million copies, stars Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand and is set in the dystopian metropolis of Night City.
• The expansion 'Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty' has sold 15 million copies, and the animated series 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' is set to return for a second season on Netflix.
• No director, cast, or release date has been announced for the film, which is part of Paramount's expanding slate of video game adaptations following 'Street Fighter' and 'Call of Duty.'

Background

Paramount Pictures has recently expanded its video game adaptation slate, including 'Street Fighter' and 'Call of Duty,' following its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The 'Cyberpunk 2077' franchise has already seen success with the animated series 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' on Netflix, which is set to return for a second season. CD Projekt Red, the developer of 'Cyberpunk 2077,' is also behind the 'Witcher' franchise, which has been adapted into a popular Netflix series.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline both confirm the development of the live-action film at Paramount, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura attached as producer. BBC highlights CD Projekt Red's excitement about partnering with Paramount, while Engadget notes that the project is in early stages with no plot or cast details revealed. All sources agree on the involvement of Paramount and CD Projekt Red, but differ in their emphasis on the broader context of video game adaptations and the studio's recent merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Why it matters

The development of a live-action 'Cyberpunk 2077' film signals Paramount's continued commitment to adapting popular video games into films, following the success of 'The Last of Us' and other adaptations. The project also highlights the growing interest in the 'Cyberpunk 2077' universe, which has already seen success with the animated series 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' and the expansion 'Phantom Liberty.'

What to watch

Paramount and CD Projekt Red are expected to announce a director, cast, and release date for the film in the coming months. The project may also be influenced by the success of the second season of 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' on Netflix, which is set to premiere later this month.