As evidenced by the recent release of concept art for the upcoming Blade Runner sequel, it looks like its creators are determined to keep the tone as close to the original film as possible. Equally, they haven’t been neglecting things on the casting front either, as in among the already impressive-looking roster of actors, another recognisable face has been confirmed for a role in the form of The Walking Dead star Lennie James.
Having gained popularity for his role as recurring-turned-regular cast member Morgan, James has become one of the standout members of the series’ ensemble, seeing his character come full circle from regular joe to grieving father before accepting the world around him. Considering the show’s high mortality rate this naturally has us worried for Morgan, but hopefully he’ll be alright.
As ever, the nature of his role hasn’t been confirmed, so we’ll have to wait and see whether he’s a human or a replicant. Either way, it’s an immensely more troubled world he’s travelling into this time, with director Denis Villeneuve teasing a world that has further sunk into the mire, adversely impacted by all manner of climate-change related issues. It’s got a lot to do to live up to the classic original, but considering who it’s got both in front of and behind the camera, we’re cautiously optimistic.
James joins a cast that so far includes Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista, Mackenzie Davis, Barkhad Abdi, Carla Juri, Sylvia Hoeks, David Dastmalchian and Hiam Abbass. Denis Villeneuve (Incendies, Enemy, Prisoners, Sicario) is directing from a script penned by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green, with original director Ridley Scott on producing duties.
The untitled Blade Runner sequel will be released in cinemas on 6 October 2017. For all the latest movie news, pick up the new issue of SciFiNow.
