While information may still be thin on the ground regarding the impending return to the Blade Runner universe, it nonetheless seems to be quietly going about its business building up a seriously impressive cast – not all of who are household names, but the bulk of which have proved they can hold their own on the screen against some of Hollywood’s most recognisable faces. Now, this trend looks set to continue with the recent casting of Somalian actor Barkhad Abdi.
Having gained much-deserved plaudits for his role as pirate Abduwali Muse in Paul Greengrass’s high-stakes high-seas hijacking true story Captain Phillips, in which he starred across from Tom Hanks, he has since notched up a number of memorable turns, the most memorable being Gavin Hood’s Eye In The Sky and Sacha Baron Cohen vehicle Grimsby.
Although there’s no word yet on who he’s playing (much like pretty much everyone else in the cast, come to think of it), it’s another solid choice, and good to see him continue to make high-profile appearances.
Abdi joins a cast that already includes the returning Harrison Ford, as well as newcomers Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Ana de Amas, Dave Bautista, Sylvia Hoeks and Carla Juri. Denis Villeneuve (Enemy, Incendies, Prisoners, Sicario) is directing from a script penned by Michael Green and Hampton Fancher.
The untitled Blade Runner sequel will be released in cinemas on 6 October 2017. For more news on the latest movies, pick up the new issue of SciFiNow.
