Blade Runner Sequel: Ford Is In, Ridley Scott Won't Direct
It seems like there might be a trend of old sci-fi hits getting new sequels soon. Just recently Neill Blomkamp has revealed some details about a new Aliens sequel that he will be directing, including where in the fiction's timeline it will take place. Now it seems that another sci-fi favorite will be returning to the big screen. The pieces are falling into place for a Blade Runner sequel, but so far the news is a mixed bag with some of the old crew returning and some just with different hats.
Ridley Scott, for example, won't be directing. That role will fall to Denis Villeneuve of Prisoners and Enemy fame, though things are not yet final. Blade Runner fans need not fret however, as Scott's presence will still be felt, though perhaps only in the background. He himself will produce the film. It is also believed that he came up with the story together with Hampton Fancher, who co-wrote the original. Fancher will still be on writing duty together with Michael Green (Green Lantern, Smallville).
As for the actors, fans can breathe a sigh of relief, but not too long. Harrison Ford is indeed part of the film, reprising his role as Rick Deckard, of course. The only problem is that he won't actually be the leading man this time. In fact, according to Scott, he won't even be in until the third act. "It's about finding him", says Scott, adding mystery to the film's would be plot.
That leaves us guessing who will fill in the protagonists shoes. It is, perhaps too early to say, though some seem to be rooting for Jake Jake Gyllenhaal, who starred in Villeneuve's Prisoners. That said, there was also talk years ago that for the sequel, Scott and Fancher will be looking towards a female lead, which will naturally exclude Gyllenhaal.
It will be quite interesting to see what a modern Blade Runner would look like, given the original was never really heavy on the visual effects though it was definitely a heavyweight when it came to content. Filming is said to start summer of 2016.
VIA: The Verge
Image from IMDB