Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment are moving up the release of the “Blade Runner” sequel three months to Oct. 6, 2017. The film was originally slated for release on Jan. 12, 2018.
Denis Villeneuve is directing the sequel, which will star Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright and Dave Bautista.
The sequel, set several decades after the original, is written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green, and succeeds the initial story by Fancher and David Peoples based on Philip K. Dick‘s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.” Story details are not being revealed.
Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will produce along with Alcon’s Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove, while Bud Yorkin, the late producer of Ridley Scott‘s original 1982 classic, will also receive a producer credit.
Scott will executive produce along with Thunderbird Films CEOs Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, as well as Bill Carraro. Gifted cinematographer Roger Deakin will reunite with Villeneuve on the project, following “Sicario” and “Prisoners.”
Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute in all overseas territories in all media, and principal photography is scheduled to begin July 2016.
“Blade Runner 2” is slated to open against a Marvel-related event film from 20th Century Fox, which previously had “Gambit” opening on that date.