Blade Runner 2099: One WORRYING thing revealed!

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In recent times, Amazon’s Prime Video has built an unusual image by expanding popular sci-fi/fantasy series. Building on the triumph of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” Prime Video is now focusing on the Blade Runner universe, as filming for the upcoming series, “Blade Runner 2099,” has recently concluded. As suggested by its title, the show will unfold 50 years after the critically acclaimed but financially struggling “Blade Runner 2049.” Ridley Scott, who directed the original film, will be taking on a producer role in this new project.

Up until now, the details surrounding this show’s plot have been shrouded in mystery, but based on what I’ve gathered so far, the esteemed Michelle Yeoh is set to take center stage as Olwen, a Replicant nearing her end of life. An impressive ensemble cast that includes Hunter Schafer, Lewis Gribben, and Tom Burke (who has recently starred in ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ and ‘Black Bag’) will accompany her. As ardent fans of the Blade Runner universe, we eagerly anticipate this project. However, a recent revelation from one of the cast members has left me feeling somewhat let down.

‘Blade Runner 2099’ Aims to Recapture the Original Film

During a conversation with Variety, Tom Burke subtly revealed some insights about Blade Runner 2099. He suggested that the visual style would be more aligned with the original film rather than its sequel, emphasizing a style reminiscent of an intricate blend of cultures and time periods that leans towards a Baroque aesthetic.

Beyond making this statement, he also emphasized the show’s commitment to mirroring the central themes of the films: “Is it possible to truly grasp what it means to be human without understanding our own complex nature? We possess the ability for great wickedness as well as great kindness… I believe that the moral dilemmas, that entire concept, are skillfully addressed in the Blade Runner universe. To me, it offers subtleties and intricacies that not every science fiction work possesses.

It’s understandable that the new Blade Runner show might be more closely aligned with the original film, as Blade Runner 2049, despite being praised critically, didn’t perform well at the box office. Since it took so long to produce a sequel, there was bound to be some division among fans regarding creative decisions. Moreover, Ridley Scott, who played a significant role in shaping the original film’s aesthetic, expressed minor dissatisfaction with 2049, criticizing its length and pace. Consequently, it’s not surprising that he would want to revisit the visual style he helped create for a closer alignment with his creative vision.

Furthermore, given that the series features a female protagonist, it could be interpreted as a reaction to one of the ongoing discussions about Blade Runner 2049 – its representation of women. While some, including director Denis Villeneuve and part of the fanbase, contend that the movie realistically depicted contemporary misogyny without endorsing it, others felt that it unintentionally objectified female characters. In essence, these reactions to 2049 might have influenced several creative choices for the series.

‘Blade Runner 2099’ Should Follow in ‘2049’s Footsteps

It’s understandable to feel let down if Blade Runner 2099 were to revisit familiar ground, as one of the strengths of Blade Runner 2049 was its ability to avoid feeling like a mere repetition. Instead, it delved deeper into the world and explored philosophical themes raised by the original film, while also sparking new debates. Considering how much time has passed in the universe, it seemed as though we were embarking on a fresh story that could be appreciated by both newcomers to the series and longtime fans who would still find familiar elements woven into the narrative.

In the fictional realm of Blade Runner 2049, it was intentional and fitting that the environment deviated from the original’s look. After all, we share the same affection for the gritty, worn-down atmosphere of the first film. However, considering the passage of time within the story, it made sense to depict a setting that had changed over the decades. The barren, antiseptic landscapes served not only as a testament to technological advancement but also as a reflection of a world struggling with the impacts of climate change and growing social disparity. Just like how Blade Runner’s universe retained traces of the 1980s, the world in 2049 felt like an extension of our current era.

In a different phrasing, if it’s true that 2099 will resemble the original movie more closely than 2049, it wouldn’t seem like a creative step backward; instead, it might not align with the setting’s authentic portrayal considering that more time is supposed to have elapsed within the universe. On the contrary, it could be appropriate for the world of 2099 to appear even more desolate than Blade Runner, where the overpopulated settings seemed fittingly at the onset of social collapse rather than in the midst of it.

Despite everything, I’d rather have more “Blade Runner” than none, and we’re still eagerly waiting for the series and seeing how it adds to the lore of the franchise. As long as the creative team keeps their composure and doesn’t reveal whether Deckard is a human or a Replicant, we’re on board! You can rent “Blade Runner” and “Blade Runner 2049” on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

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2025-03-25 06:02