Blade Runner is famous for many things, among them, spearheading the unique visual aesthetic of a dystopian future. But the film is also layered in ambiguity, with many plot elements (like whether or not its protagonist, Deckard, is one of the very replicants he hunts) still debated by fans to this day. An air of mystery similarly surrounds the film’s upcoming sequel, Blade Runner 2049, whose plot we know almost nothing about.

Fortunately, we at least know who’s involved. Director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) will be spearheading the project, with legendary cinematographer, Roger Deakins (Sicario), behind the camera. Harrison Ford  will be reprising his role as Rick Deckard, and a number of major players will be joining him, including Ryan Gosling (The Big Short), Robin Wright (House of Cards), Jared Leto (Suicide Squad), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips).

Fandango recently talked to Ryan Gosling about the process of filming Blade Runner 2049, and what it was like working with Ford. His response was revealing:

“I can say that we shot for many months before Harrison [Ford] arrived, and obviously there was a lot of anticipation as to when he would show up and how that would be, and it was just a relief. The second he got to set, he just rolled up his sleeves and we all just got to work. It was a real great pleasure to get to work with him.”

The recent Omaze charity contest promoted by Gosling and Ford sure gave the impression that they would be co-starring together. Some had hoped that the sequel would have Deckard training up a new Blade Runner - buddy-cop style. However, Gosling’s new info matches up with past news we’ve previously heard that Deckard may not factor into the film until its third act. Ridley Scott said in 2014 that up until that point, the plot would revolve around finding Deckard. Considering his importance as the plot’s McGuffin, this makes Villeneuve’s suggestion that the sequel still won’t reveal if he’s a replicant or not even more surprising. That said, not having to spend the whole running time in Ford’s shadow may give the new cast time to shine.

Are you disappointed that Ford’s role Blade Runner 2049 may be slim, or is it a good sign that the sequel will spend more time exploring the world from different points of view? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on the film as they hit.

Source: Fandango

  • Blade Runner 2 Release Date: 2017-10-06