Despite not being a major box-office conqueror during its initial release, Blade Runner has gained a cult following since its release in 1982. Made by the veteran director Ridley Scott, it starred Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard and Rutger Hauer as the existential replicant, Roy Batty.
Related: Ridley Scott Movies Fans Say Were Ahead Of Their Time
The film was praised for its groundbreaking special effects and for being instrumental in the invention of the cyberpunk genre. Unfortunately, the film went through editing hell, having endless cuts released until the Final Cut put the debate to rest.
The revival of Blade Runner after 2049
Responding to the latent rise in popularity, a sequel to the film was released, Blade Runner 2049. It was directed by Oscar-nominated Denis Villeneuve and was praised by fans for remaining faithful to the original film while adding new content, but still failed at the box office despite its groundbreaking storyline and visual effects.
I just watched Blade Runner 2049 and holy shit it's so good like wtf?!? It's honestly such a hidden gem… I can't believe I never hear anybody talk about it pic.twitter.com/dhnlcvKS11
— Diarmaid Barron (@DiarmaidB95) September 9, 2022
Check out: Denis Villeneuve Wants To Make Another Blade Runner Film
Finished Blade Runner Black Lotus. Pretty damn good
— Vorp (@vorpalithic) September 15, 2022
Despite the repeated financial failures of the installments, fans of the franchise remain strong and open to new projects, leading to the release of Blade Runner: Black Lotus, an animated show co-produced by Crunchyroll and Adult Swim focusing on different characters from the universe, which was mostly well received by fans with a 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
More news on Blade Runner 2099
After Ridley Scott confirmed a script for the pilot of Blade Runner 2099 was ready, most fans were beyond ecstatic and now Prime Video has brought the series under its wing. The head of global television at Amazon Studios, Vernon Sanders commented on the team-up:
“We are honored to be able to present this continuation of the Blade Runner franchise, and are confident that by teaming up with Ridley, Alcon Entertainment, Scott Free Productions, and the remarkably talented Silka Luisa, Blade Runner 2099 will uphold the intellect, themes, and spirit of its film predecessors.”
A Blade Runner show has so much potential so let’s see how 2099 goes because you already have my interest! https://t.co/DG85gQLRsM
— Christian Cortave (@CCortave24) September 15, 2022
Information about the series started floating around November last year and has lured Prime Video as it seems hellbent on making sequels of every IP, such as The Rings of Power. They’ve set up a group of writers led by Silka Luisa as it will be produced by Cynthia Yorkin, David Zucker, and Ridley Scott.
Hell yesssss!!! Blade Runner 2099 is finally moving forward! Love any new additions to this world! Audiences better watch it this time around! https://t.co/wzRtazThYm
— Evan (@HarrisHarrisev9) September 15, 2022
Read more: Director Ridley Scott Confirms New Alien Movie Is In The Works
Other than the fact that the series will be set 50 years after the events of Blade Runner 2049, assuming from the title, not much is known about 2099. While not confirmed, most expect Ridley Scott to be creatively involved in the franchise that revolutionized the sci-fi genre for decades to come.
