Ryan Gosling Confirmed To Join Harrison Ford In ‘Blade Runner 2’
The wheels on the long-awaited sequel to Blade Runner started turning back in April, when it was rumored that Drive actor Ryan Gosling was in talks to star opposite Harrison Ford in Blade Runner 2. This week, it has been revealed that the talks were successful, when Gosling recently confirmed his addition to the cast.
Reported by Collider, Ryan Gosling was taking part in a press interview for his new movie, The Big Short, which also stars Christian Bale and Brad Pitt. When asked about the rumors that have been circulating since April, rumors that have him starring in the sequel to Sir Ridley Scott’s ’80s classic, Ryan Gosling was tight-lipped about the whole affair, which is expected for such a major movie. However, when asked if the consistent rumors are true, he impassively replied.
“Yes, that’s true. It’s exciting. There’s a chip in me that will explode if I say anything else.”
Fans will have to wait for more information on Blade Runner 2, though. Don’t expect details to drop just yet, with Ford working on Star Wars: The Force Awakens and with Gosling fulfilling press duties on The Big Short and The Nice Guys. What we do know, however, is that Denis Villeneuve (Sicario) will direct the film, cinematography will be provided by Oscar-nominated Roger Deakins (Fargo, No Country For Old Men), and Sir Ridley Scott will take an executive producer role.
Gosling is keeping his cards close to his chest, but Sir Ridley Scott has been more forthcoming if only for the finer details. No plot information has been released for Blade Runner 2 yet, but Scott is ambitious about the much-anticipated movie, which comes more than 30 years after his 1982 original. During an interview with Slash Film back in September, Scott had some kind, if slightly curious, words to say about Ryan Gosling — and it seems the producer finally got his leading man. If anything, his cryptic words do hint at a potential timeline for the movie.
“[The original film] was 2017, so coming back it’ll be 2047, roughly. As young as you can play Ryan Gosling. He’s 34, but he looks 27 when he’s doing his push-ups. So maybe 2050.”
Asked the daunting question about Blade Runner — is Deckard a replicant? — a plot point that was addressed differently in seven various cuts of the original movie and has been a source of speculation for over 30 years depending on the viewpoint, Scott replied, “Of course he’s a bloody Replicant! He’s going to have to admit it… I’m not going to tell you [how the question of replicant expiration is addressed]. You’ll have to see the story. It’ll all make sense.”
Harrison Ford has a habit for returning to beloved characters, what with his lukewarm comeback as Indiana Jones and the forthcoming return as Han Solo. A year ago, Cinema Blend confirmed that Harrison Ford was on board for Blade Runner 2 and spoke to Scott himself about the casting.
“We talked at length about what it could be, and came up with a pretty strong three-act storyline, and it all makes sense in terms of how it relates to the first one. Harrison is very much a part of this one, but it’s really about finding him; he comes in in the third act.”
The wheels continue to turn. With the mystery surrounding the sequel, which is apt considering the source material and the plot itself, expect more details to emerge slowly. Sir Ridley Scott considers the original movie to be his most complete and personal film, so expect some serious attention and focus to go into the final product.
On its initial run in cinemas, Blade Runner polarized critics. It was deemed too complex and gritty, and the film underperformed in North America, a reaction that would eventually lead to seven versions of the movie being made available on home video, Blu-ray, and DVD. The movie has since become a cult classic. It remains a leading example of the neo-noir genre and has inspired many movies since. It also brought the work of Philip K. Dick to mainstream Hollywood attention and would pave the way for movies like Total Recall (1990) and Minority Report (2002).
Blade Runner 2 commences filming in mid-2016. A release date is yet to be confirmed.
[Featured Image via RADiUS-TWC]
