Most of the time, films stuck in development hell are approached with a lot of trepidation when they finally get off the ground. And yet, I'm not nervous in the slightest for the Blade Runner sequel. The currently untitled follow-up to Ridley Scott's 1982 classic may seem like a bad idea on the surface. After all, look at how Promtheus turned out. That movie had a lot of promise as well and it ended up being a disappointment for a lot of fans. But I can't help but feel like this Blade Runner sequel will end up being different. First off, Harrison Ford is back as Rick Deckard, probably his third most iconic role after Han Solo and Indiana Jones. On top of that, Blade Runner screenwriter Hampton Fancher is penning the script and Scott himself will be returning in a producer role. Finally, the new blood is terrific. Ryan Gosling is one of the best young actors today, and to see him join the Blade Runner universe with Ford will make for a cinematic event. And who can forget about Denis Villeneuve. The director was an unknown at the start of the decade, but the massive success of Incendies, Prisoners, and Sicario, Villeneuve has emerged as one of the hottest directors in Hollywood. So yeah, I'm excited for this movie.
Earlier this week, Warner Bros. announced that the Untitled Blade Runner sequel will hit theaters on January 12, 2018. Check out the press release:
"Alcon Entertainment's sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 masterpiece BLADE RUNNER, to star Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford (reprising his role as Rick Deckard), and to be directed by Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Prisoners), will be released by Warner Bros. in North America on January 12, 2018, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEO's Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.
Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute in all overseas territories in all media.
The story, written by Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green and based on a story by Fancher and Ridley Scott, takes up several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July 2016. Multi-Oscar nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (Sicario, Prisoners) will reunite with Villeneuve on the project.
Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights to BLADE RUNNER in 2011 from the late producer Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will produce along with Johnson and Kosove. Bud Yorkin will receive producer credit.
Ridley Scott will serve as Executive Producer. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO's of Thunderbird Films, will also serve as executive producers along with Bill Carraro ("Terminator: Genisys," "The Golden Compass")."
Just think about how awesome the winter of 2017/2018 will be. Star Wars: Episode VIII and Blade Runner 2 back-to-back. Now, is the January release date a little peculiar? Yes. But I think that the potential is there for Warner Bros. to do a limited run in 2017 for Oscar qualification before the wide expansion in January. Not likely, but it could happen. Also, as many other writers have pointed out in regards to this film, the release calendar is changing. Things aren't quite what they used to be, as Deadpool and many other blockbusters have reinforced. January and February are no longer cinematic dumping grounds, and I have no doubt that this will be an excellent film. The Blade Runner sequel has loads of potential and it is very, very high on my most anticipated list. I can't wait to hear more about it.
Press Release via Slash Film
Image Credits: Joblo
Earlier this week, Warner Bros. announced that the Untitled Blade Runner sequel will hit theaters on January 12, 2018. Check out the press release:
"Alcon Entertainment's sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 masterpiece BLADE RUNNER, to star Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford (reprising his role as Rick Deckard), and to be directed by Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Prisoners), will be released by Warner Bros. in North America on January 12, 2018, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEO's Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.
Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute in all overseas territories in all media.
The story, written by Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green and based on a story by Fancher and Ridley Scott, takes up several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July 2016. Multi-Oscar nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (Sicario, Prisoners) will reunite with Villeneuve on the project.
Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights to BLADE RUNNER in 2011 from the late producer Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will produce along with Johnson and Kosove. Bud Yorkin will receive producer credit.
Ridley Scott will serve as Executive Producer. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO's of Thunderbird Films, will also serve as executive producers along with Bill Carraro ("Terminator: Genisys," "The Golden Compass")."
Just think about how awesome the winter of 2017/2018 will be. Star Wars: Episode VIII and Blade Runner 2 back-to-back. Now, is the January release date a little peculiar? Yes. But I think that the potential is there for Warner Bros. to do a limited run in 2017 for Oscar qualification before the wide expansion in January. Not likely, but it could happen. Also, as many other writers have pointed out in regards to this film, the release calendar is changing. Things aren't quite what they used to be, as Deadpool and many other blockbusters have reinforced. January and February are no longer cinematic dumping grounds, and I have no doubt that this will be an excellent film. The Blade Runner sequel has loads of potential and it is very, very high on my most anticipated list. I can't wait to hear more about it.
Image Credits: Joblo
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