The Blade Runner universe is set to expand once more, this time on Amazon Prime. In addition to the iconic 1982 original and the 2017 sequel, the franchise has already branched out into animated series and comic books. Now, the streaming giant is making a significant investment in this sci-fi classic.
Is Blade Runner 2099 in the Works?
Although the sequel didn’t spark another blockbuster, a live-action series called Blade Runner 2099 is in development. This new show might explore some of the darker themes introduced in Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, though it hasn’t been confirmed yet. It’s likely that the series will delve into the uncertain future of humanity.
Even though Blade Runner 2049 didn’t achieve the same success as Ridley Scott’s original neo-noir classic, the universe has kept growing. New additions include the animated series Blade Runner: Black Lotus, a comic book miniseries from Titan Comics, and Blade Runner 2039, which came out in 2022.
What is the Storyline of Blade Runner 2099?
The exact plot of Blade Runner 2099 is still being kept secret, but it’s confirmed that the story will take place after the events of the original Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049. The series will feature new characters, including a replicant named Olwen, played by Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, who is nearing the end of her artificial life. Alongside her is Cora, portrayed by Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, a woman caught up in the conspiracies of their dystopian world. There are also rumors that the series will have a 10-episode arc.
The Blade Runner universe is based on Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, set in a dystopian version of Los Angeles in 2019. This world features synthetic humans known as replicants, who are bio-engineered for labor on off-world colonies. The story begins when a group of advanced replicants escapes to Earth, prompting the deployment of blade runners, a special police unit tasked with “retiring” these fugitives.
The sequel, set thirty years later, dives deeper into this world. Ryan Gosling plays a blade runner who uncovers that his origins are tied to an experimental replicant and a former blade runner, the protagonist of the first film. The sequel also explores the growing movement for replicant freedom.
What is the Setting of Blade Runner 2099?
As reported by Space.com, Blade Runner 2099 will take place in Los Angeles in the year 2099. One of the key characters, Cora, has spent her whole life on the run and is described as a “chameleon,” constantly changing identities to protect her brother.
The series is currently being filmed in Prague, with plans to also shoot in Barcelona. Filming is expected to last until the end of the year.
Who Stars in the Cast?
As previously mentioned, Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer lead the cast. They are expected to be joined by Dimitri Abold and Lewis Gribben as series regulars, along with Katelyn Rose Downey, Daniel Rigby, Johnny Harris, Amy Lennox, Sheila Atim, and Matthew Needham in recurring guest roles.
Has a Trailer Been Released?
There isn’t a trailer available for Blade Runner 2099 yet, but if you’re excited to dive back into this rain-soaked, neon-lit future, stay tuned. We’ll update you with the footage as soon as it’s released.
Who Is Directing Blade Runner 2099?
Neither Denis Villeneuve nor Ridley Scott will be directing Blade Runner 2099. However, Ridley Scott is serving as an executive producer, similar to his role in Blade Runner 2049.
Scott mentioned to Esquire that the series is set years after the original films and has themes reminiscent of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.
Amazon officially greenlit the series last September, with Alcon Entertainment and Scott Free Productions producing. Silka Luisa is the creator, showrunner, and writer, though the show features several other writers whose identities are not yet known.
Jonathan van Tulleken, known for Shōgun, is directing the series, taking over from Jeremy Podeswa, who had to step down due to scheduling conflicts related to the WGA and SAG strikes.
What is the Release Date for Blade Runner 2099?
No release date has been announced yet, but the series is expected to debut on Prime Video by late 2025, based on the current production schedule. Filming, which began in early May 2024, was initially set to start in 2023 but was delayed to April 2024 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Official production resumed in June 2024.
Produced by Scott Free Productions, Alcon Television Group, and Amazon MGM Studios.
Featured image: Warner Bros
