What is Blade Runner 2 - the BR Sequel?

Blade Runner was released in 1982, there was a WorkPrint and then the Director's Cut that was at the forefront of that trend, then FINALLY we got the Ultimate Edition - The Final Cut in 2007 on Blu-Ray. In those 25 years it transcended from cult film to cultural icon. It is now one of those films that you simply cannot say, "Oh, I've never seen that." Rumours came and went about a sequel - if things had panned out, it could have even happened back in the '80s. Ridley Scott always seemed open to the concept of returning to the BR universe, but only with the right backing.

Well, come 2011 and the rights to BR were finally sold to someone who cared and with Ridley revisiting the universe of the Alien franchise, everything lined up. A SEQUEL was conceived and absolutely crucially, Ridley Scott signed up to direct. So, here is all the news I can get my hands on about the project as it happens.

What was that - who bought the BR rights?

For a long time, the rights to Blade Runner were stuck. AT LAST, in March 2011, Alcon Entertainment (part of Warner Bros.) announced they were acquiring rights to make anything Blade Runner (except for remaking the original). Part of this deal includes original owner Bud Yorkin as producer.

And Ridley Scott...

... signed up in August 2011 to direct. According to Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove of Alcon, "It would be a gross understatement to say that we are elated Ridley Scott will shepherd this iconic story into a new, exciting direction. We are huge fans of Ridley’s and of the original ‘Blade Runner.’ This is once in a lifetime project for us." Apparently, they always considered Ridley as 'Plan A'.

So who is making Blade Runner 2?

Alcon co-founders and co-Chief Executive Officers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove will produce with Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin, along with Ridley Scott. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.

Is Blade Runner 2 a sequel or prequel?

Don't know yet. With the Alien franchise, Scott has filmed 'Prometheus' which is in the Alien Universe and canon, but is not directly related to any of the other films. Don't be surprised if BR2 takes a similar path. Do NOT expect ANY of the original characters or actors of the original Blade Runner to be in this new film. I did have a concept for how Rutger Hauer could appear (3 decades later) in any variation on BR, but he's already said, "All of Ridley Scott's work are interesting, but I would be afraid to do a 'Blade Runner 2'". It's probably a good thing. Trying to directly bring any of the characters of the original complete story in would carry a great deal of baggage.

Blade Runner 2 News
10 Sep 2011	Could Angelina Jolie be the star of the Blade Runner 2 movie? She was spotted leaving a meeting with Ridley Scott on Thursday clutching what could be a script. Don't want to jump to conclusions, of course, but... Pictures of Angelina Jolie leaving Ridley Scott's Office
Blade Runner 2 Views
09 Sep 2011	WhatCulture! "Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER 2: What To Expect & What We Hope For"