The Blade Runner franchise is finally getting an injection of new life that could translate into numerous extensions and reinventions of the original classic starring Harrison Ford and directed by Ridley Scott.
In a press release this evening, Warner Bros. announced that its Alcon Entertainment production company is in final negotiations to secure all film, television and ancillary franchise rights to Blade Runner from producer-director Bud Yorkin. As part of the deal, Yorkin will serve as a producer on the first new Blade Runner project along with Alcon co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove.
The only thing Alcon cannot do with these rights, assuming the deal is finalized (odds are more than favorable they will be since a press release was issued), is remake the original film. They can however use ideas and situations from the original in any new Blade Runner project.
In the announcement, Johnson and Kosove stated they have long-term goals for the Blade Runner franchise that involves multiple projects across multiple mediums. They could theoretically develop prequel or sequel films, television series, web series, novels, comics or more.
An obstacle bringing Blade Runner back is translating it for today’s youth. While those in the 35+ age bracket are familiar with the 1982 sci-fi property, the current generation brought up on CGI effects would be hard-pressed to remember it amongst the more mass appeal films of the 1980s that have been more prominent in pop culture. The original does have the distinction of being selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
