‘Blade Runner’ Sequel Gets Release Date

18/02/2016 - Alcon Entertainment’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner has been set for a Jan. 12, 2018, release in North America by Warner Bros.

The sequel will star Ryan Gosling with Harrison Ford reprising his role as Rick Deckard. Denis Villeneuve (“Sciario,” “Prisoners”) is directing.

The untitled film will open at the start of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute in all overseas territories in all media. The story, written by Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green and based on a story by Fancher and Scott, takes up several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original — which was set in 2019 Los Angeles with constant rain. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July with cinematographer Roger Deakins reuniting with Villeneuve on the project. Deakins shot “Sicario” and “Prisoners.” Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights in 2011 from the late producer Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will produce along with Johnson and Kosove. Bud Yorkin will receive producer credit. Scott will serve as executive producer. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEOs of Thunderbird Films, will also serve as executive producers along with Bill Carraro (“Terminator Genisys,” “The Golden Compass”).

(VARIETY)