This interview with Bartosz Sztybor, the writer of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*, provides valuable insights into the creative process behind the show. Here are some key points:
1. **Collaboration with Studio Trigger Writers:**
– Sztybor worked closely with Studio Trigger’s screenwriters, Yoshiki Usa and Masahiko Otsuka, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
– The process involved constant communication and adaptation to cultural differences, with Western writers focusing more on logic and Japanese writers prioritizing emotional impact.
2. **Director Hiroyuki Imaishi’s Influence:**
– Imaishi’s direction was heavily influenced by Michael Bay, with a focus on action sequences and visual metaphors.
– Sztybor had more creative freedom with the second season, directed by Kai Ikarashi, who wrote the scripts himself and aimed for deeper meaning and different scene interpretations.
3. **Ending and Legacy:**
– The ending of *Edgerunners* was always planned to be definitive, with no happy endings considered.
– Sztybor is proud of the show’s legacy and the positive reception from fans, who have shown a willingness to accept new characters and storylines.
4. **Character Development:**
– Sztybor found writing Maine, a character based on himself, to be the most fun.
– Lucy, on the other hand, was the hardest to write due to her complex emotional and internal conflicts.
5. **Future of *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*:**
– Sztybor is confident that fans will enjoy the new season as much as they did the first.
– He emphasizes that bringing back David in a resurrection would be disappointing and potentially ruin the legacy.
6. **Fan Reception:**
– Sztybor acknowledges the fan desire for resurrections but believes it would be unsatisfying.
– The show’s legacy is important to both the creators and the fans, who have shown a willingness to accept new storylines and characters.
Overall, the interview highlights the collaborative nature of the production, the challenges faced, and the creative decisions that shaped the show.
