Unlike the replicants, it seems the world of Blade Runner and Blade Runner: 2049 (the original film’s commercially unsuccessful sequel) is truly destined to live forever. Both in the hearts of fans and across various forms of media as the years continue onward.
That is, if a new report turns out to be true.
According to an article posted on Roger Friedman’s Showbiz411 site, sources close to the former Hollywood Reporter correspondent say a television series set in the world of the two films is being developed on a fast track by producers associated with the franchise. While it does seem possible for Harrison Ford’s Deckard and/or Ryan Gosling’s K to appear on the show should it air, nothing is set in stone at this point.
In addition to in-flux casting and narrative choices, Friedman’s piece also notes series cinematographer Roger Deakins is unlikely to be a part of the project and someone would thus be needed to replicate his style and visual tone established in the films. With so many directors switching back-and-forth between screens large and small, they’d better hurry and lock someone in quick in order to make the piece happen.
Personally, though this is the right route to go given the way both movies struggled in theaters, I personally don’t want to see a Blade Runner television series. The concept reeks of desperation and is yet another sign of the “Peak Television” craze we find ourselves in. At some point, the bubble will burst. Not everyone can make entertainment and not every IP is meant to get on the air.
And, if history is any indication, a show set in this particular world could end up bombing at first, but then be critically re-assessed in later years, similar to what happened with the first movie. Maybe the franchise is just cursed, but I don’t want to see that happen to good people.
What do you think, though? Should Blade Runner live on on television screens, computers and phones? Let us know in the comments section down below.
