Back in 2011, Ridley Scott announced that he would be teaming with Alcon Entertainment to direct and produced a sequel to his quintessential 1982 sci-fi classic ‘Blade Runner.’ Despite the many projects that filled his schedule such as ‘Prometheus,’ ‘The Counselor,’, and ‘The Martian,’ the veteran filmmaker maintained that he would still continue to develop the highly anticipated sequel alongside a sequel to ‘Prometheus.‘ However, it looks like the load may have been too much for him as he has recently stepped away from the director’s chair for ‘Blade Runner’ before production starts in 2015.

An interview with Variety to promote ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ revealed that Scott will only produce the long-awaited follow-up to Rick Deckard’s story when the ball gets rolling on the project next year. However amidst that massive news, he seemingly confirmed the involvement of star Harrison Ford and discussed the amount of work that he has already done with writer Hampton Fancher on the script:

“We talked at length about what it could be, and came up with a pretty strong three-act storyline, and it all makes sense in terms of how it relates to the first one. Harrison is very much part of this one, but really it’s about finding him; he comes in in the third act.”

But with Scott out, one has to wonder who will take the reins of this iconic piece of science fiction. Sure, he’ll still be involved, but not in a way that should appease fans that feel like ‘Blade Runner’ did pretty fine on its own without a sequel for all these years. Whether you like it or not, it’s happening and hopefully a new director is chosen soon since whoever that person is will surely have plenty to do before production gets under way.

Are you disappointed that Ridley Scott won’t be directing the ‘Blade Runner’ sequel? Do you have anyone in mind that would be a suitable replacement for the veteran filmmaker? Do you even think that it should still happen without Scott at the helm? Share your thoughts in the comments below.