Some intriguing news on the BLADE RUNNER 2 front coming directly from Sir Ridley Scott himself (via Variety). The long-rumored project is still evidently moving forward, but without Scott in the director’s chair. Furthermore, those who expected Harrison Ford’s Rick Deckard to be the main character have a rude awakening coming up.
In regards to the first bombshell, the Variety article notes Scott should be getting BLADE RUNNER 2 underway in 2015, “but with someone else directing.” This goes against most articles about the film written prior to today, where it was assumed Scott, 76, would be finishing what he started over 30 years ago. (Here’s just one.)
As for Ford’s involvement, here are Scott’s thoughts on the subject:
“We talked at length about what it could be, and came up with a pretty strong three-act storyline, and it all makes sense in terms of how it relates to the first one… Harrison is very much part of this one, but really it’s about finding him; he comes in in the third act.”
I suppose it’s not incredibly surprising that they’d seek out a new (presumably younger) lead for BLADE RUNNER 2; that’s how Hollywood works. Still, should be tough news for anyone looking forward to a genuine sequel with Deckard as the main protagonist.
It’s not all disappointing news, however. Scott is planning on helming PROMETHEUS 2 after he wraps up THE MARTIAN.