Way back in 2011, Alcon Entertainment entered into negotiations for the rights to produce film, television, and ancillary product prequels and sequels based on Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi staple ‘Blade Runner‘. Later that year, Scott signed on to direct and produce a new movie set in the world that he created back in 1982. With the creative mind behind the original film on board, the other question on everyone’s mind concerned the star of the movie, Harrison Ford. Rumors ran rampant about his inclusion and then talk of a female protagonist surfaced, which may have meant that Rick Deckard was out of the picture, but no official word on the matter came through the grapevine. However, a new development with the film seems to indicate that if the veteran actor decides to come back, then there is a role for him.
According to a press release from Alcon, the company has finally formally extended an offer for Harrison Ford to join the upcoming ‘Blade Runner’ project written by original co-writer Hampton Fancher and ‘Green Lantern’ writer Michael Green. Company co-founders Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove had this to say in the statement:
“We believe that Hampton Fancher and Michael Green have crafted with Ridley Scott an extraordinary sequel to one of the greatest films of all time. We would be honored, and we are hopeful, that Harrison will be part of our project.”
It’s pretty odd for a film company to announce who they’re pursuing for roles in a movie because deals can (and sometimes do) go south. But since Ford is currently in pre-production on ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ to reprise his role as another fan favorite sci-fi legend, maybe the outcry from the fans will encourage the star to return to ‘Blade Runner’. Of course, it all comes down to whether or not the actor likes the script, so hopefully this formal announcement of an offer doesn’t backfire in Alcon’s faces since they’ll definitely lose face if Ford decides to pass.
Now that we know that an offer has been extended to Harrison Ford, what do you think about the star being called to reprise his role in a new ‘Blade Runner’ movie? With his schedule busy with ‘Star Wars’, do you think that he would only cameo in the film or do you think that Alcon would postpone production until afterwards if Rick Deckard has a larger role? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.
