BLADE RUNNER 2 May Film Next Year; Ridley Scott Producing But Not Directing

With his Old Testament epic Exodus coming out in a few weeks, all eyes are on director Ridley Scott. As the director has a number of projects in development at any time, it will be inevitable that some of the interviews he will be asked about the status of many of them. In fact, Variety is the first in on that regard, quizzing the director on the status of the anticipated sequel to his groundbreaking 198- classic Blade Runner. It is a project that he will be turning his attention to after he finishes his current film, though his participation may not be as active as fans may desire.

When “The Martian” wraps later this winter, Scott already has a fair idea what he’ll be doing next, though it likely won’t be the much-anticipated “Blade Runner” sequel he developed with the original film’s co-screenwriter, Hampton Fancher. “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,” says Scott, who adds that fans can expect to see Harrison Ford back in the saddle as the futuristic gumshoe Rick Deckard. “Harrison is very much part of this one, but really it’s about finding him; he comes in in the third act.” Per Scott, that Alcon Entertainment production should go before the cameras within the next year, but with someone else directing (he’ll produce).

Now, before we get upset that Scott is not directing, let’s not overlook the good news here. Harrison Ford will be returning for the sequel. Sure, it won’t be until the final third of the movie, but it sounds as if the story will center on the search for Dekker which suggests his involvement in the finale will be substantial. This is not going to be a small cameo appearance.

The fact that there is no announced director yet, though, is a bit troubling. I would think that someone would have been hired by now, as the production will undoubtedly be rather big and demand a long prep time for any director. I am concerned that if we don’t hear any news as to who will be calling the shots behind the camera soon, the person they do bring in may be more of a journeyman director, not bringing much, if any, of their own imprint onto the film.