After years of speculation and secrecy, we finally have a shoot date for the as yet untitled Blade Runner sequel. As first reported by Collider, the filmmakers plan to begin principal photography in July, with a release date we imagine sometime in the first half of 2017. We first heard about the project way back in 2011, so its reassuring to hear that things are finally getting underway.
So what do you we actually know so far about Blade Runner 2?
1) It picks up decades after the events of the first film. So anyone who was dreading a Rick Deckard origin story can breath a sigh of relief.
2) Harrison Ford is reprising his role as Dekard. In what capacity is anyones guess, but the veteran actor apparently told told Ridley Scott it was the best script he’s ever read. Although to be fair, this is coming from the guy who thought The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a good idea so this isn’t necessarily a reliable endorsement.
3) Ryan Gosling also has a role in the film. He could be the new lead, or he could be playing a motion captured space stripper for all we know.
4) Its being directed by Denis Villeneuve (go on, try and pronounce that name) whose had success with films like Prisoners and last year’s brilliant Sicario.
5) With thirteen time Oscar nominee Roger Deakins behind the lens, you can bet it’ll look sexy as hell. Who knows, maybe it could finally bag Deakins his long deserved win for Best Cinematography (after he loses to Emmanuel Lebezki at this year’s ceremony).
Check out this chat with Ridley Scott from AFI Fest 2015 where he elaborates a little on the film’s premise.
Personally I just hope the sequel neither confirms nor denies the long standing question of whether or not Deckard is in fact a replicant. One of the many reasons the original is still talked about to this day is because of the ambiguity of that character. But if Villeneuve’s track record with open endings is anything to go by, we should be in safe hands.
BLADE RUNNER 2 is yet to receive an official release date