Prime Video's Blade Runner 2099 was first announced back in 2022, and while we have had a few updates since, it had been quite a while since we heard anything about the series.
This led to concern that the project may have been shelved in the midst of the recent Hollywood strikes, but Deadline is now reporting that filming is scheduled to commence this April in Prague after initially setting-up in Belfast, Northern Ireland prior to the strikes.
In addition, Shōgun director Jonathan van Tulleken has been tapped to helm and executive produce the first two episodes. He replaces Jeremy Podeswa, who was originally set to direct before being forced to step away due to a scheduling conflict.
Amazon Studios and Alcon Entertainment are developing the project, with the original sci-fi classic's director, Sir Ridley Scott, on board as as an executive producer. Silka Luisa (Shining Girls) will serve as showrunner.
"The original Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, is considered one of the greatest and most influential science-fiction movies of all time, and we’re excited to introduce Blade Runner 2099 to our global Prime Video customers," Amazon Studios Head of Global Television Vernon Sanders said in a statement back when the show was announced. "We are honored to be able to present this continuation of the Blade Runner franchise, and are confident that by teaming up with Ridley, Alcon Entertainment, Scott Free Productions, and the remarkably talented Silka Luisa, Blade Runner 2099 will uphold the intellect, themes, and spirit of its film predecessors."
Alcon co-CEOs and co-founders Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson added, "Audiences first discovered Ridley Scott’s brilliant vision for Blade Runner 40 years ago, and since then, it has become one of the most influential science-fiction films of all time. Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up sequel, Blade Runner 2049, then became one of the best reviewed sequels of all time."
Plot details are still under wraps, but with such a lengthy time-jump between this series and Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049, it's highly unlikely that Harrison Ford will reprise the role of Rick Deckard. Ryan Gosling is a possibility, although his Replicant character appeared to die in the closing moments of the 2017 sequel.
It seems far more likely that the series will introduce a brand-new cast of characters will only minor ties to the movies.
What would you like to see from Blade Runner 2099? Drop us a comment down below.