Blade Runner is a milestone in science-fiction filmmaking. We all know that. But sadly even it isn’t safe from a Hollywood still suffering from a severe and lingering case of sequelitis.
Almost 30 years after Ridley Scott’s 1982 masterpiece made its cinematic bow, the WB’s Alcon Entertainment division are in the final stages of acquiring the film and TV rights to Blade Runner.
If they successfully close the deal, they’d have the power to create as many sequels, prequels, TV shows or ‘ancillary’ products as they see fit. Though, happily, their deal means they’re not allowed to remake the original.
Alcon co-founders/co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove said this in a statement:
“We are honoured and excited to be in business with Bud Yorkin. This is a major acquisition for our company, and a personal favourite film for both of us.
“We recognise the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce. We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only.”
It’s probably about time now to realise that absolutely nothing in Hollywood is sacred anymore. What next, a follow-up to Casablanca ? Best not give them ideas, eh?
