Regardless of whether he liked the first film or not, something in Harrison Fords programming has swayed him to sign up for the long discussed Blade Runner 2, following an official statement from the studio (via Deadline). Not only that but the films original director, Ridley Scott, has stayed true to his word and will be keeping well away from the filmmaking throne, leaving space for Denis Villeneuve, who is in now in talks to helm the project. In an official statement from Alcon head honchos, Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson, they cried to the heavens and the fans saying: 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. 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 couldnt be more thrilled with this amazing, creative team. Its still a wonder that this is even happening considering that the first film was such a trial to get made and its leading man admitted he didnt like the film, one way or another. Still, news did begin to circulate a few months back that Ford had read the new script penned by original Blade Runner scribe, Hampton Fincher and (*shivers*) Green Lantern writer, Michael Green, and it got Deckards approval. With that in mind, theres got to be something special in it all, other than a paycheck that could probably buy him his own personal flying car. As for the new director on the futuristic block, Villeneuve is an interesting choice. His dismal but delicious eye that was so wonderfully displayed in the likes of Prisoners and his debut, Incendies, might find the perfect home in the fog-filled streets of the future, so itll be interesting to see how he handles it all. Of course what that all will be about is anyones guess. Plot details - as youd expect - are pretty thin at the moment with the only solid bit of info being that well be flung forward some years after the first film (as sequels often do). Will we see Deckard living his life as a Replicant (which he bloody well is) on the run? Will a new Blade Runner be chasing after the old? Will it be a better return to a Ridley Scott film than Prometheus was (there I said it!)? Fingers are firmly crossed. Shooting for Blade Runner 2, as it is tentatively known as, will begin in the summer of 2016, and will hit cinemas the following year.
