The sequel to “Blade Runner” will be titled “Blade Runner 2049,” TheWrap has learned.
Denis Villeneuve is directing the sequel, which will star Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Jared Leto and Dave Bautista. Ford will reprise his role of Rick Deckard.
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.
Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment moved up the release of the sequel three months from January 12, 2018 to October 6, 2017.
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. Cinematographer Roger Deakin will reunite with Villeneuve on the project after working together on “Sicario” and “Prisoners.”
Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute in all overseas territories.
The original “Blade Runner” film starred Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young and Edward James Olmos. The film depicted a dystopian Los Angeles in which genetically-engineered human replicants are created by a powerful corporation. Replicants are not permitted on Earth, and those replicants who deny the ban are hunted by police operatives called “Blade Runners.”
Following the film’s release, it won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, and although it underperformed at the box office, it became a cult hit.