Brooke Bunny
Though he’s now firmly attached to direct, “Prisoners” helmer Denis Villeneuve originally wanted no part of a “Blade Runner” sequel.
Speaking to Collider, the acclaimed filmmaker said he was concerned that he’d be hurting not only one of the most beloved films of all time, but one of his favourite movies, if he helped a sequel get up.
“When I heard that Ridley Scott wanted to do another movie in the Blade Runner universe, at first my reaction was that it’s a fantastic idea, but it may be a very bad idea. I’m among the hardcore fans of Blade Runner. Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies of all time. It’s a movie that is linked with my love and passion for cinema.”
Ready for a challenge though, Villeneuve agreed to direct the sequel. But he sure is scared he’ll ruin a good brand name.
“I’m totally aware of the huge challenge. It’s a risk I know that every single fan who walks into the theater will walk in with a baseball bat. I’m aware of that and I respect that, and it’s okay with me because it’s art. Art is risk, and I have to take risks. It’s gonna be the biggest risk of my life but I’m okay with that. For me it’s very exciting; it’s just so inspiring, I’m so inspired. I’ve been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said ‘no’ to a lot of sequels. I couldn’t say ‘no’ to Blade Runner. I love it to much, so I said, ‘Alright fuck it, I will do it and give everything I have to make it great.’”
While he wasn’t prepared to divulge any details on the sequel, Vulleneuve did say that the sequel – which Harrison Ford is expected to be part of – will be “autonomous”, meaning it will be able a stand-alone movie but also have links to the 1982 original.
