Denis Villeneuve Comments on Blade Runner Sequel: “The Worst Idea I’ve Had”

Denis Villeneuve Comments on Blade Runner Sequel: "The Worst Idea I've Had"

As a movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of science fiction, I can confidently say that Blade Runner 2049 is nothing short of a masterpiece. Denis Villeneuve‘s decision to take on this project might have seemed like a risky career move, but it was anything but for me as a viewer.


2017 brought us Blade Runner 2049, a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 science fiction masterpiece starring Harrison Ford. It’s been just under a decade since Denis Villeneuve embarked on this challenging endeavor, and he recalls it as one of the most questionable ideas he’s encountered in his career. However, we certainly don’t share that sentiment.

In the follow-up film by Villeneuve to Blade Runner, the distinction between natural beings and synthetic organisms, referred to as replicants, remains a contentious issue in society. Replicants continue to be regarded as property and hunted down by blade runners when they rebel. However, K, a replicant who works as a blade runner, encounters Sapper Morton and uncovers a revelation that could potentially alter the course of the world, compelling him to locate an ex-agent named Rick Deckard.

At a chat during the BFI London Film Festival, Villeneuve shared thoughts with Brett Goldstein about his professional journey. During their discussion, Villeneuve reminisced on creating the sequel to Scott’s revered sci-fi classic. An article by Variety delves deeper into Villeneuve’s views on Blade Runner 2049, where he labels it as one of his most daring career moves.

Revisiting a sequel for one of Ridley Scott’s masterworks might have been my least wise decision yet.

In making “Blade Runner 2049,” Villeneuve certainly took a daring step. Given how deeply cherished the original film is among dedicated sci-fi enthusiasts, even Ridley Scott faced challenges when negotiating the final cut with Warner Bros., so Villeneuve’s endeavor was indeed quite risky.

The movie isn’t actually under a curse, but creating an expansive $185 million science fiction film outside the superhero genre might appear as a daring venture to corporate figures. However, Villeneuve’s achievement was quite remarkable, and yet he humorously suggests that deciding to make a sequel to his favorite movie could have marked the end of his career: “[Deciding] to create a follow-up to my beloved film is a lovely way to conclude my career. I found it very romantic.

Blade Runner 2049 is One of the Best Sequels Ever Made

Denis Villeneuve Comments on Blade Runner Sequel: "The Worst Idea I've Had"Denis Villeneuve Comments on Blade Runner Sequel: "The Worst Idea I've Had"Denis Villeneuve Comments on Blade Runner Sequel: "The Worst Idea I've Had"

Not many film directors these days have won the confidence of major studios to produce sci-fi blockbusters outside Disney’s lineup of superhero and Star Wars properties. Christopher Nolan (who has now left Warner Bros.) and Denis Villeneuve are two of the few directors who have made enough successful movies to receive unconditional funding for their future projects.

Despite the acclaim the “Dune” franchise garnered, it wasn’t a smooth ride for Villeneuve. Movies like “Prisoners” and “Sicario” didn’t align with his vision of science fiction, while “Arrival” merely hinted at his capabilities in the realm of hard sci-fi. The 2017 film “Blade Runner 2049” stands as a singular piece that likely won’t be replicated in terms of conceptual originality.

Despite earning approximately $277 million worldwide, the movie fell short of its break-even point, which was around $400 million, leading to its categorization as a box office flop. However, it managed to secure victories in two categories at the 90th Academy Awards (Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects), and it maintains an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Although filled with numbers, “Blade Runner 2049” stands out as a captivating illustration of a sci-fi sequel. It skillfully broadens a world that was inherently mysterious, featuring significant character development. The character K, brilliantly played by Ryan Gosling, initially appears to be a heartless replicant; however, he eventually uncovers his origins. The subtle human traits we observe in him are touching enough to admire the film’s intention and its burgeoning status as one of the greatest sequels ever crafted.

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2024-10-13 02:37