Blade Runner. Ruler of all neo-noir films. The ground-breaking 1982 original directed by Ridley Scott and based on the novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" has never rolled out a sequel, until Ryan Gosling and the year 2017 finally came.
Reviving classics on the big screen is probably the most daunting venture for every filmmaker. Well-respected director Denis Villeneuve , with legendary Scott as the new movie's producer, is out to uncover the 30-year gap from the dystopian Los Angeles of 2019 to the same city fast forward into the year 2049. He certainly is aware of the immense pressure he’s put under, "I know that every single fan will walk into the theatre with a baseball bat. It's gonna be the biggest risk of my life but I'm okay with that. For me, it's very exciting... It's just so inspiring, I'm so inspired. I've been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said 'no' to a lot of sequels. I couldn't say 'no' to Blade Runner 2049 (2017). I love it too much, so I said, 'Alright, I will do it and give everything I have to make it great.'"
When the original Blade Runner ended, the question on everyone’s mind was, “Is Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard a human or a replicant?” With this sequel, we may finally get an answer. What else could the sequel offer? Now let's trace our way into the past and explore what really happened in the world of Blade Runner all those years Deckard went missing?
The original Blade Runner: 2019
This is the year where the movie takes place. We meet a prototype Replicant, Rachel, and together with Officer Rick Deckard, a Blade Runner, the pair escape from Los Angeles in the film’s final moments.
A new line of Nexus 8: 2020
In the following year, after the murder of the replicant founder Eldon Tyrell, his company, the Tyrell Corporation, produces a new line of Nexus 8 Replicants for use off-world. However, unlike the previous Nexus models that have four-year lifespans, this new line has open-ended lifespans and ocular implants that allow for easy identification.
Black Out: 2022
The blackout happens and cities are shut down for weeks. All electronic data are either corrupted or destroyed. Worldwide financial markets crashed and the Replicants are blamed for the catastrophic event. The fate of the registered Replicants database from the Tyrell Corporation is made unknown.
Replicant Prohibition: 2023
The powers that be pass a legislation on an indefinite “prohibition” on Replicant production. Older models like the Nexus 6 models are to be decommissioned because of their four-year lifespans. The current Nexus 8 models are to be retired. This sends those who are still active in hiding.
A new beginning: 2025
We are introduced to scientist Niander Wallace (played by Jared Leto in Blade Runner 2049), whose fervent ideals propel him to pioneer genetically modified food, which he willingly shares with the world, ending a global crisis. His company Wallace Corporation starts to expand globally, even into the Off-world colonies.
Tyrell Corporation saved: 2028
Niander Wallace swoops into and acquires what is left of the Tyrell Corporation, which is facing bankruptcy.
Nexus gets new lease of life: 2030s
With Wallace at the helm, Tyrell’s genetic engineering and memory implantation made progress in leaps and bounds. The Replications are now under control and are more obedient.
Nexus Dawn: 2036
Niander Wallace introduces a new line of Replicants: the Nexus 9 and now presents a new future for Replicants.
Resurgence of the Blade Runners: early 2040s
The LAPD goes all out to strengthen its existing Blade Runner unit to round up and retire the illegal Replicants.
Nowhere to Run: 2048
Sapper Morton played by Dave Bautista enters the scene, only to unleash his true Replicant power towards the protection of humans.
Blade Runner 2049
Press members have let out praiseworthy reactions for the upcoming film's eye-popping visuals you've got to see on the biggest possible screen, matched with a fantastic mystery-filled storytelling. Young Blade Runner 'K' played by Gosling unearths a major secret, and he's determined to track down former detective Rick Deckard (Ford).
That's to round up glimpses of the Blade Runner between 2019-2049, with plots yet to unfold and keep the fire of excitement burning! Villeneuve selected filmmakers to direct the short films to fill in the gap. However he plans to overcome reboot pitfalls and work up to meet critics and viewers' sky-high expectations of BR 2049, one thing's certain- the movie is bound to strike fans worldwide with huge nostalgia.
Harrison Ford on Returning to Blade Runner, Star Wars & Indiana Jones
