"Blade Runner 2" is coming, that much we know, but you’re going to have a wait a while to see it in theaters.
Alcon Entertainment has announced today that the Denis Villeneuve directed sequel starring Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling will open on January 12, 2018. If that weekend seems odd for what is sure to be a major blockbuster, Warner Bros. scored big on that weekend last year with "American Sniper" earning an all-time record, $107 million opening. But realistically, everyone involved probably knows they are dealing with what is likely an artier than usual tentpole, and are trying to position themselves away from "Star Wars," Marvel, and the other big players, and give themselves some breathing room.
Check out the full press release below, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Production starts this summer.
LOS ANGELES, CA, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 – Alcon Entertainment’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 masterpiece BLADE RUNNER, to star Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford (reprising his role as Rick Deckard), and to be directed by Denis Villeneuve (Sciario, Prisoners), will be released by Warner Bros. in North America on January 12, 2018, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEO’s Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.
Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute in all overseas territories in all media.
The story, written by Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green and based on a story by Fancher and Ridley Scott, takes up several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July, 2016. Multi-Oscar nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (Sicario, Prisoners) will reunite with Villeneuve on the project.
Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights to BLADE RUNNER in 2011 from the late producer Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will produce along with Johnson and Kosove. Bud Yorkin will receive producer credit.
Ridley Scott will serve as Executive Producer. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will also serve as executive producers along with Bill Carraro (“Terminator Genisys,” “The Golden Compass”).