Harrison Ford May Be In The New Blade Runner Movie
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Since it was first announced, the new Blade Runner movie has been an understandable nexus of rumor and speculation. It was a prequel. Or maybe it was a sequel. Or maybe it was a straight-up reboot, with no direct ties to the original film. In recent months, however, things have begun to solidify, and in a way no one really expected. Last August, Ridley Scott signed on to direct the new movie, which was cool but surprising. Then, in November, Scott told the Wall Street Journal that the new movie would be a sequel, but when asked if the original film’s star, Harrison Ford, would have a role, he said, “No, not really.” Producer Andrew Kosgrove echoed the statement, telling the LA Times that “In no way do I speak for Ridley Scott but if you’re asking me will this movie have anything to do with Harrison Ford, the answer is no.” Seems pretty clear cut, right? New movie, absolutely no Harrison Ford.
Yesterday, Twitch reported that Harrison Ford is in talks to appear in the new Blade Runner movie. Yes, it’s the conflicting Prometheus rumors all over again. The story doesn’t provide any details as to what Ford’s involvement would be, so this could mean a lot of things. Ford could be revisiting his iconic role as Deckard, or he could just be doing a cameo, or he could be playing an entirely different character. Assuming the film is indeed a sequel, it would make sense for Ford to play Deckard again…although if you buy into the interpretation that he’s a replicant, they’d have to explain his age difference and how he survived past his expiration date. Twitch does, however, hedge their bets by adding that “this is still very early stages and it is quite possible that things won’t work out.”
Honestly, while the prospect of another Blade Runner with Ford in the lead and Scott at the helm is exciting, I can’t help but hope he’s playing a different part, or that his role is minimal. Blade Runner created a rich universe, one that I think is more than capable of supporting a return visit, especially with Scott in charge. But Blade Runner is also a damn near perfect film, and Deckard’s story is perfectly concluded. To return to it seems to risk dilluting the power of the original.
