The Blade Runner sequel has gone through various stages of development hell over the years and I have to admit that up until today, I had my doubts that this sequel would ever see the light of day. That opinion has changed however, after Alcon Entertainment announced earlier today that Ryan Gosling is now in talks to join Harrison Ford for Blade Runner 2.
Not a whole lot is currently known about the movie itself except that it will naturally take place several decades after the original and is expected to begin production some time next year with the intention of releasing it some time in 2017. Ridley Scott will serve as an executive producer while Denis Villenueve (Prisoners, Enemy) will serve as the director.
The reason I’ve been skeptical about Blade Runner 2’s chances before now is because not only has it been over 30 years since the original film was released but it’s also because Ford isn’t nearly the box office draw he used to be and his name alone isn’t nearly enough anymore to convince a studio to green light what’s likely to be at least a $100 million project. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and 42 did good business but that has been easily offset by high profile flops like Extraordinary Measures, Cowboys & Aliens, Morning Glory, and Ender’s Game.
Between that and an issue with Ford’s age that’s getting harder to ignore, Blade Runner 2 was in serious need of some younger blood and Gosling might be just what the doctor ordered. While he hasn’t starred in too many big budget movies at the Blade Runner 2 level, he is nevertheless a well-respected and in-demand actor. He’s currently filming the Adam McKay directed The Big Short, and has recently wrapped production on Terrence Malick’s Weightless and Shane Black’s Nice Guys. He also entered negotiations last week to join Disney’s Haunted Mansion remake which will be directed by Guillermo del Toro (can’t wait for that one).
This could be a win-win situation for both Gosling and Blade Runner 2 as it would not only provide the film with some much needed star power but it would also boost Gosling’s profile and better enable him to take part in more of the independent movies like Drive and The Place Beyond the Pines that he enjoys doing so much.
Do you Gosling will be a good fit for Blade Runner 2? Are you more or less excited now for the sequel? Give us your two cents in the comment section below.
Source: Slashfilm
