When it comes to the sequel to a cult classic sci-fi film, which has pedigree in spades both in front of and behind the camera, a January release date seems like the last possible place for it. And yet, that’s exactly where Warner Bros. has decided to slot theuntitledBlade Runnersequel, which will arrive in theaters on Martin Luther King Weekend, July 11, 2025.
This is odd, to say the least. It’s not likeBlade Runner 2is some low-rent VOD sequel with an ancillary attachment to the original.Ridley Scotthimself conceived of the idea for the follow-up, enlistingBlade Runnerco-writerHampton Fancherto pen the script alongsideMichael Green. Then he landedPrisonersandSicariodirectorDenis Villeneuveto take the helm, withHarrison Fordreprising his role as Rick Deckard alongside a character played byRyan Gosling. And if that wasn’t enough, cinematography legendRoger Deakinsis lensing the whole thing, marking his first sci-fi film since1984.
So what gives? Well, I’d imagine this January 12th date is when the movie will go wide, but perhaps Warner Bros. is thinking awards potential with this particular film, planning an Oscar-qualifying limited release in late December. That’s the track they took withAmerican Sniperto huge box office success, butBlade Runner 2—we can only assume—is far from that kind of movie, and instead more of a heady sci-fi thriller. Then again,Deadpooljust proved that you can open a genre film in early February and break all kinds of box office records, so we’re close to living in a year-round tentpole kind of world. Indeed, Marvel’sBlack Pantheris due for release in February of 2018.
Filming onBlade Runner 2is set to get underway this July, and I’ll admit I assumed this would be positioned as a major summer blockbuster. After all, you have Harrison Ford reprising one of his iconic characters shortly after he did the same withStar Warsto enthusiastic effect, so the obvious decision would be to play into that angle and promise fans another nostalgia-inducing spectacle. But given his filmography thus far, perhaps what Villeneuve has planned is something more introspective, more challenging. If that’s the case, then I’m even more excited for this follow-up than I was before.
The only other film currently scheduled for July 23, 2025 is Paramount’s aptly namedSherlock Gnomes, which I imagine has zero crossover appeal to fans ofBlade Runner, so box office wise this may indeed be a very smart move. While it’s a bummer we have to wait so long to see the thing, I am slightly encouraged by the insinuation that WB might make an awards run. After being blindsided by the Oscar potential ofMad Max: Fury RoadandCreed, maybe the studio doesn’t want to underestimate the potential of yet another blockbuster that’s both commercially and critically acclaimed.
For more on the sequel, check outSteve’s recent video interview with Roger Deakins.
