Cyberpunk: Edgerunnerswas a groundbreaking success that captured the imagination of anime fans and gamers alike. The series managed to transform the gritty dystopia of Night City into an emotional rollercoaster, earning praise for its heartbreaking story and unforgettable characters. But as whispers of a potential new anime circulate, one question looms and that is, how can a follow-up possibly live up to its predecessor?

The answer is Studio Trigger, the creative powerhouse behind the series' iconic style and soul. Without their visionary team at the helm ofthis upcomingCyberpunk: Edgerunnerssequel, any new attempts risk feeling hollow and too different. While it does not need to be a direct sequel, Cyberpunk’s next anime must keep Studio Trigger’s unique style.

No Name by Cyberpunk Edgerunners Creator manga

How Studio Trigger Shaped Edgerunners' Identity

The Artistic Legacy Of Studio Trigger

Studio Trigger’s contribution toCyberpunk: Edgerunnersgoes far beyond flashy visuals. Their signature animation style infused Night City with frenetic energy, making every action sequence a visual feast for fans. More importantly, Trigger captured the raw emotions of the story, blending hyper-stylized artistry with deeply human moments.

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FromKill la KilltoPromare,Trigger has a proven track record of pushing creative boundaries. Their ability to balance mind-blowing action with heartfelt storytelling was akey factor inEdgerunners’success. Any new Cyberpunk anime needs this unique flair to stand out in an oversaturated market. Without it, the series risks losing its emotional appeal that drew in fans in the first place.

studio trigger collage

Studio Trigger’s visual experimentation also allowedEdgerunnersto make the source material even better, making Night City feel like a character itself. Every neon-lit alley and chaotic street corner oozed with personality, immersing viewers in the Cyberpunk universe. This amazing attention to world-building is something that few studios can replicate with the same level of care and innovation.

10 Best Studio Trigger Anime

Trigger’s anime have a reputation for excellence at minimum, and over a decade of operation, has built up a selection of shows worthy of viewing.

Trigger’s animators also excel at pacing, blending moments of intense action with quiet, reflective times. These quieter scenes, such as David and Lucy’s heartfelt conversations, resonated deeply with fans, creating an emotional anchor in the middle of all the chaos. A new Cyberpunk anime would benefit from this delicate balance, ensuring viewers stay invested in the characters and their journey.

Cyberpunk Edgerunners' David and Lucy sit on the moon and stare at Earth.

Studio Trigger does more than just create,they are known for elevating series. Their understanding of Cyberpunk’s gritty, chaotic, yet oddly hopeful setting and feel was so important. They did not simply adapt the Cyberpunk game source material, they made it unforgettable. A new creative team, no matter how talented, might lack the same instinctive connection to the universe.

A New Story, Not A Sequel, Is The Best Move

Why Revisiting The Same Storyline Would Fall Flat

Fans ofCyberpunk: Edgerunnersdo not necessarily want more of the same story. The first anime tied up its story arcs beautifully, leaving little room for continuation without diluting the original impact. Instead of a sequel, a fresh story set within the Cyberpunk universe would be better. This spin-off style approach wouldallow the studio to explore new areas of Night Citywhile keeping the impact of the original story’s ending. Trigger’s involvement in this new project would ensure that the new series maintains the same level of depth and artistry, even with different characters and plotlines. This strategy balances fan expectations with creative freedom.

The series could choose to shift its focus to a corporate-driven storyline or dive deeper into the world of netrunners and their shadowy operations. These kinds of expansions would make the Cyberpunk lore even deeper, while giving Studio Trigger the freedom it needs to create something entirely fresh. Creating a new story avoids the pitfalls of trying to bring back the original.Many anime sequels failby trying to recapture lightning in a bottle, undermining the original’s impact and legacy. A standalone series lets Studio Trigger experiment with new ideas while remaining faithful to the Cyberpunk brand.

Collage of Rebecca, David, and Lucy in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners looking at the camera.

The Risks Of Handing Cyberpunk To Another Studio

Why Cyberpunk Needs Trigger To Stay True To Its Spirit

If the next Cyberpunk anime is handed to another studio, it risks losing the very essence that madeEdgerunnersa pop-culture phenomenon. Animation is a storytelling language that Studio Trigger speaks fluently, and it did so inCyberpunk: Edgerunnersby blending stunning visuals with heartbreaking emotion. Different studios bring different strengths, butfew can match Trigger’s audacity. Without their influence, the anime might default to a safer, less daring animation approach. While this could still result in a solid anime, it would not capture the same love thatEdgerunnersdid.

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Trigger’s absence could also alienate fans who fell in love with the studio’s specific interpretation of Night City. The style of Studio Trigger is so closely tied to the success of the seriesthat moving forward without them feels like a gamble that Netflix or the franchise cannot afford to take. Studio Trigger is more than just an anime studio, it is the heart of what madeCyberpunk: Edgerunnersextraordinary. A new anime has the potential to expand the universe in exciting ways, but only if the original creative visionaries are leading it. Fans and newcomers alike need a series that is bold, unapologetic, and deeply human, which are qualities that onlyStudio Triggercan guarantee.

Cyberpunk Edgerunners TV Poster

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Cast

David Martinez (Kenichiro Ohashi) is a streetwise kid living in the slums of Night City in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. To survive, David becomes an edgerunner, also known as cyberpunk, taking on mercenary jobs outside the system. Together with a group of new and veteran edgerunners, David will shoot for the moon to escape the underbelly of the increasingly cyber-obsessed city. Unfortunately, the law isn’t the only group that the edgerunners will have to contend with, as other heavily cyber-augmented humans will pose an even more significant threat.