'Blade Runner 2' Cast News, Update: Harrison Ford Joins, Ridley Scott Set to Direct
In what almost seems to be a year-long wait for any updates on the purported "Blade Runner" sequel, recent casting news now confirmed franchise star Harrison Ford returning to reprise lead role.
A report from Screen Rant cited the official press release from Alcon Entertainment that actor Harrison Ford is now set to return as the celebrated Rick Deckard while Ridley Scott passes on the directorship.
According to the release, Academy Award nominee Denis Villeneuve of "Prisoners" and "Incendies" is currently "in negotiations to direct" the forthcoming installment as "was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEO's Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson."
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The studio further noted filming schedule for "Blade Runner 2" which will start "in summer of 2016." Working for the screenplay are Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green.
As for the plot, Alcon stated that the story will "take place several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original."
"We are honored that Harrison is joining us on this journey with Denis Villeneuve who is a singular talent, as we experienced personally on Prisoners," said Johnson and Kosove. "Hampton and Michael, with Ridley Scott, have crafted a uniquely potent and faithful sequel to one of the most universally celebrated films of all time, and we couldn't be more thrilled with this amazing, creative team."
Fans were excited when in the later part of 2014, Ridley Scott spoke to the media and revealed that he's actually been working on the sequel's script.
"I sent him this [script] and he said it's the best thing he's ever read. It's very relevant to what happened in the first one," the 77-year-old sci-fi helmer said during his press rounds for the opening of his "Exodus: Gods and Kings," which starred Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton.
With this recent development, it was however confirmed via CinemaBlend that Scott will now be taking the executive producer seat on the forthcoming title instead of the director's chair.
Release date for the "Blade Runner 2" is yet to be known.
