In a thrilling development, Blade Runner 2099, the highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic Blade Runner, has added yet another star to its already stellar cast. Hunter Schafer, known for her stunning portrayal in the hit HBO series Euphoria, is set to join the futuristic universe alongside the legendary actress Michelle Yeoh, who has been cast in the lead role.
Since Prime Video’s sci-fi series is set to have two women leads, reliable insider Daniel Richtman noted that Hunter Schafer might be in talks to join Michelle Yeoh, who has already been cast as one of the leads. While filming for Blade Runner 2099 is expected to commence later this month, there is yet to be an official confirmation about Schafer’s casting.
Michelle Yeoh Cast in the Lead Role for Blade Runner 2099
Blade Runner 2099, a series serving as a sequel to both the original 1982 Ridley Scott film and its 2017 follow-up Blade Runner 2049, is currently in the works at Prime Video. With major details regarding the plot and cast being under wraps, Variety reported Prime Video’s announcement about its first bit of casting, with Michelle Yeoh starring in a lead role.
Set to play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life, Michelle Yeoh will be one of the lead stars for the highly anticipated Blade Runner 2099. Following her role as Evelyn Wang in the A24 film Everything Everywhere All at Once, which won her the Academy Award for Best Actress, Yeoh is set to commence filming later this month.
With the project already confirmed in November 2021, Amazon revealed in February 2022 that Blade Runner 2099 was in development with Ridley Scott on board as an executive producer. However, since the original director, Jeremy Podeswa, was having scheduling conflicts, and was forced to step away, the show witnessed a bit of delay. But now, Shōgun director Jonathan van Tulleken has come on board to helm the first two episodes of the show.
Hunter Schafer Reportedly Joins Michelle Yeoh in Lead Role
Further, with things going smoothly for Blade Runner 2099, the show might have also found its co-lead. Since Michelle Yeoh was previously cast as one of the two women leads in Prime Video’s sci-fi series, the other opening reportedly got filled with Euphoria star Hunter Schafer. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes star is said to be in talks to join the show.
According to reports from reliable insider Daniel Richtman, Hunter Schafer will reportedly play Cora, who according to the previously-released plot synopsis will join forces with a Replicant named Olwen (Michelle Yeoh). The synopsis shared by ComicBookMovie suggests, Cora who lived her entire life on the run, is forced to partner with Olwen to secure a stable future for her brother, when the two are pulled into a widening conspiracy.
Hunter Schafer’s alleged casting is already making quite the buzz on social media, despite the lack of confirmation. Meanwhile, Amazon Studios and Alcon Entertainment are developing the project, which promises to delve deeper into the dystopian landscape first introduced in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking original.
Jesus the casting director was cooking
— marie (@itsbloodymarie) June 6, 2024
Yeah she’s made for this shit tbh
— H.M (@HJMashUp) June 6, 2024
oh yeah she's like made for this universe
— Skyward ✧.* (@Skyfrom5to7) June 6, 2024
Oh we won
— Jessa 🌱🪬 (@directedbyrian) June 6, 2024
She fits the blade runner aesthetic perfectly this would be dope.
— yes🫡🫡🫡 (@speghattipeste) June 6, 2024
Considering the online buzz surrounding Michelle Yeoh’s legendary screen presence and reported collaboration from Hunter Schafer, Blade Runner 2099 is poised to be a worthy successor to its iconic predecessor.
