Smile Star Kyle Gallner Wants to Lead the Cyberpunk 2077 Movie — And CD Projekt Red Sounds More Than Ready

The live-action Cyberpunk 2077 movie is steadily becoming one of the most anticipated video game adaptations in Hollywood, and the momentum keeps building. CD Projekt Red’s leadership has openly shared its enthusiasm about the partnership with Paramount Pictures, and at least one notable actor has already thrown his hat into the ring for a starring role.

Kyle Gallner Is Volunteering for Night City

Kyle Gallner, best known for his chilling performance in the hit horror film Smile and its sequel, has publicly put himself forward to lead the Cyberpunk 2077 movie. The actor’s interest in the project is a fascinating development for fans of the franchise, as Gallner has built a reputation for intense, psychologically complex performances — qualities that could translate well to the neon-soaked, morally gray world of Night City.

While no casting decisions have been officially announced, Gallner’s enthusiasm signals that the film is already generating genuine buzz within the acting community. For a project based on a video game — a category that Hollywood has historically treated with skepticism — having talent actively campaign for a role is a promising sign of the franchise’s cultural weight.

CD Projekt Red Is “Excited” About the Paramount Partnership

On the studio side, CD Projekt Red’s boss has made it clear that the company is genuinely excited about collaborating with Paramount on the adaptation. This isn’t a licensing deal where the developer cashes a check and walks away — CD Projekt Red appears to be taking a hands-on creative role, aiming to ensure the film captures the tone, aesthetic, and rebellious spirit that made the game a phenomenon.

A Hands-On Approach to Adaptation

That level of involvement matters. Video game movies succeed most often when the original creators help steer the ship, as seen with The Last of Us series and the Sonic the Hedgehog films. Cyberpunk 2077’s world — with its megacorporations, cybernetic augmentation, and mercenary antiheroes — is rich with cinematic potential, but it’s also easy to flatten into generic sci-fi action without the right guardians at the helm.

From Troubled Launch to Big-Screen Redemption

Context makes this movie deal even more remarkable. When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, it was famously plagued by technical issues, particularly on last-generation consoles. Many observers wrote the game off entirely. Instead, CD Projekt Red spent years rebuilding it through updates and the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, eventually earning back player trust and pushing sales past 30 million copies.

The Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners also played a huge role in the franchise’s comeback, proving that the universe could thrive outside of gaming. A feature film feels like the natural next step in this redemption arc — and arguably the ultimate validation of how far the property has come.

What Fans Can Expect Next

Details about the plot, director, and full cast remain under wraps, and a release window has not been confirmed. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see whether Gallner’s self-advocacy turns into an actual casting announcement — and whether other big names follow his lead in expressing interest.

In the meantime, there’s never been a better time to experience Night City firsthand. If you want to dive into the game that started it all, you can grab Cyberpunk 2077 game codes and gift cards at TURGAME.com at competitive prices and jump straight into the action.

Source: GamesRadar

Source: GamesRadar