Even though directorDenis Villeneuvehas taken over Alcon Entertainment’sBlade Runner 2,Ridley Scott, who directed the original 1982 classicBlade Runner, is still attached to the project as an executive producer. And he’ll be heavily involved in the production. In fact, talking withYahoo, he reveals that he’ll havefinal cut. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to steamroll anyone associated with bringing this sequel to the big screen after all these years.
In the lengthy interview, which celebrates the release ofThe Martian, in theaters this weekend,Ridley Scotttalks quite extensively aboutBlade Runner 2. LikePrometheus, which will get at least threesequelsaccording to the director, Scott is also planning a whole series of newBlade Runnermovies. He answers the question of whether or notRick Deckardis aReplicant. And even claims thatHarrison Fordcalled theBlade Runner 2script the best he’s ever been involved with. About having final cut, he explains.
“I always have final cut on everything, really. Partly because I’m very user-friendly. I always believe when you’re given X amount of money by someone to f-k around with and make a movie, you’re able to’t draw lines in the sand. If I was an investor and you did that to me, I’d remove your ankles. So don’t do the auteur s-t. I respect the guy for giving the money and I respect the studio for saying, “Yeah, you want to do this, here we go.”
Some might think three or fourBlade RunnerandPrometheusmovies might be overkill.Ridley Scottsimply views multiple sequels as an extension of the artist, and his work. He doesn’t see a problem with it, and hopes to continue creating more stories for both of these franchises.
“Listen: Everyone else is, so why not? I love to work. The French say “Work to live,” and I live to work. I’m very lucky to have a job that I adore. All my kids do the same thing. Some of it’s trying, but it’s like being in professional sport. It’s so competitive [that] you better keep bouncing the ball. You can’t rest.”
During the firstBlade Runner, directorRidley Scottand his leading manHarrison Fordhad a falling out. The pair hadn’t spoken to each other in years. But when the actor was approached to do this sequel, he was open to the idea. Though,Ridley Scottadmits not right away. Things changed onceHarrison Fordread the script.
“Harrison said, “Mehh,” and I said, “No, read this.” And I think he said, “This is the best script I’ve ever had.” We’ve been working on it for a couple of years.”
Now, there has been a long standing controversy over whether or notHarrison Ford’s Rick Deckard is a Replicant.Ridley Scottconfirms that he is. And reveals that will very much be a part of the story in this follow-up. He also explains how that will affect the timeline of the movie.
“Of course he’s a bloody Replicant! He’s going to have to admit it. You’ll have to see the story. It’ll all make sense. [In the original movie], it was 2017, so coming back it’ll be 2047, roughly. As young as you can playRyan Gosling. He’s 34, but he looks 27 when he’s doing his push-ups. So maybe 2050.”
What do you think about all of these new developments? Are you excited to see more than one newBlade Runnercoming off the assembly line? Or are you going to hold judgement until you see the first sequel?Ridley Scottis set to directAlien: Paradise Lostnext, which is a direct continuation of his 2012 thrillerPrometheus.
