Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classicBlade Runneris set for another sequel, this time in the form of a live-action tv series. Now, Amazon Studios has taken up Scott’sBlade Runner 2099concept.
Scott has teased the newBlade Runnerseries since November 2021, stating they’ve written a pilot script and a series bible, without giving any further details. This marks the latest installment in theBlade Runnerfranchise, following 2017’s beloved Warner Bros. filmBlade Runner 2049and Adult Swim’s ongoinganimated seriesBlade Runner: Black Lotus.
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Deadline reports Amazon Studios is “fast tracking scripts” and looking at potential dates to begin production, asBlade Runner 2099is said to be a priority for the company. At this time, the search for writers to join the staff is underway, with Silka Luisa already on board as a writer and executive producer. In addition to serving as an executive producer on the series, Deadline sources say Scott may also directBlade Runner 2099should the project move forward.
With all the hype surrounding the original film, the idea of a sequel was at one time considered blasphemy. But somehow,Denis Villeneuve pulled it off withBlade Runner 2049. While it wasn’t a commercial hit, the film was an instant cult-classic, with many hailing it as up there withMad Max: Fury Roadas the best sequel of the 2010s. Villeneuve and company refused to recreate the original classic, and instead gave it visuals, characters, and sci-fi concepts entirely its own.Blade Runner 2049’s influence and critical success paved the way forDune, an even bigger Villeneuve sci-fi project.
ButBlade Runner 2099is already very different from2049.The fact that Scott is a main creative force this time around is a far cry from the previous film, which he had next to no involvement with. Also, the title suggests the series will take place another 50 years after2049, so we shouldn’t expect anyfan-service like Harrison Fordas Deckard. Whatever Scott’s plan is, it’s certain to be something completely new for the franchise.
This also isn’t the first time Scott’s returned to his work, as herecently made twoAlienprequels,PrometheusandAlien: Covenant. While those two films have a mixed reception, they are among the more ambitious legacy-sequels to date, and they offer a fascinating new perspective from the man who started it all. If Scott can also do this forBlade Runner 2099, this should be a series worth watching.
Blade Runner 2099is currently in priority development.
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