In anticipation of the sequel to the original Blade Runner movie, we take a look at the origins and other major factors that played a part in the conceptualisation of the movie.
The Book That Started It All
The original Blade Runner was inspired by a book called Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? The book was written by famous sci-fi writer, Philip K. Dick, whose works have also recently been adapted into the anthology television series Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams. The movie was loosely based on the book as a screenplay was developed by David Peoples and Hampton Francher, who also co-wrote the screenplay for Blade Runner 2049.
The Original Blade Runner
As with many sci-fi movie classics, iconic director Ridley Scott’s original Blade Runner movie wasn’t nearly as popular as it is today when it was released in 1982. The dystopian setting, violence and entire concept of a future which wasn’t exactly something people would look forward to being a part of, scared most moviegoers off at the time. However, despite the mainstream disapproval of the movie, it did gain a strong underground following, which has carried through to the 21st century.
A Modern Reimagining
The coming together of the 2017 movie is quite a tale in itself. Ridley Scott had been wanting to make a sequel since the original movie was released. Hampton Francher had been working on a character for a story, that would later become Agent K in the movie. Scott had finally managed to secure funding and production for the movie and was happy to find out that Francher, with whom he didn’t always get along and haven’t spoken to in years, was keen on helping to write the screenplay. Guided by the short story Francher had written before, the idea for Blade Runner 2049 was eventually conceptualised.
The Return of A Crucial Character
Once the concept of Blade Runner 2049 received the green light, Ridley Scott knew he wanted to rope in Harrison Ford, who portrayed the main character, Rick Deckard, in the original movie. According to the director, Ford wasn’t particularly keen on starring in the sequel at first, but Scott insisted that he would at least keep Ford up to date with the progress of the script. Ultimately, the screenplay was finished and once Harrison Ford read the final product, he immediately knew that he wanted to be a part of it.
A Bump In The Road
Sadly, Ridley Scott didn’t end up directing the movie himself, due to prior directorial engagements. The duty was handed to upcoming director, Denis Villeneuve, best known for his work on Sicario and Arrival. Scott did however stay on as an executive producer, ensuring that the sequel to his iconic film would remain true to its roots.
Watch the long-anticipated sequel, Blade Runner 2049, your #SundayNightMovie on 17 June at 20:05 on M-Net.