Blade Runner 2099: Ditching 2049 for Original Cyberpunk Vibes

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Summary

  • Blade Runner 2099 will emulate the style of the original 1982 film, creating a connection to the franchise’s roots.
  • The decision to mirror the first film’s aesthetics is a deliberate move that signals a return to cyberpunk storytelling.
  • The series will focus on L.A.’s futuristic evolution, aiming to differentiate its 2099 setting from the previous installments.

The upcoming “Blade Runner” series on Amazon Studios is expected to adopt a visual aesthetic more aligned with the 1982 original film rather than the 2017 sequel directed by Denis Villeneuve, as confirmed by one of the project’s actors. Despite appearing unusual, this decision could potentially enhance the series in several ways.

Produced by Silka Luisa, the series titled Blade Runner 2099 is a sequel, as implied by its name, taking place in the year 2099. It builds upon the narrative of Ridley Scott’s original Blade Runner (set in a dystopian 2019) and the happenings of Blade Runner 2049. Both sci-fi films, which share Los Angeles as their backdrop and are adaptations of Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, have left significant marks in the genre. The forthcoming show carries a substantial responsibility to uphold this distinguished legacy.

Blade Runner 2099 Actor Hints At Return To Older Aesthetics

The Series Will Lean More Towards The 1982 Movie’s Style

In August 2024, Tom Burke became a part of the cast for “Blade Runner 2099,” playing an unspecified recurring role. He gained recognition for his performance as Praetorian Jack in the prequel to “Mad Max” titled “Furiosa,” featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth. During an interview with Variety, while promoting Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming film “Black Bag,” Burke disclosed some intriguing details about “2099.” He affirmed that the series is more in line with Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” than Denis Villeneuve’s sequel.

At one point, it felt like surrendering to the flow… I thought, “Alright, we’re diving deep into this.” The style is more akin to the original film than the second, and it revisits that unique blend of various cultures and eras, reminiscent of Baroque eclecticism.

The actor not only delved deeply into the topic but also expressed that the Blade Runner series thoughtfully addresses profound philosophical questions, especially concerning what it means to be human. From Burke’s perspective, there are two significant insights: initially, that the upcoming series is on track by adhering to the franchise’s central themes; secondly, the decision to emulate the older film’s aesthetic style appears to be a strategic choice. Although both Blade Runner films continue to rank among the greatest science fiction movies ever made, it seems more fitting for the series to maintain the original’s cyberpunk vibe.

Why Blade Runner 2049 Is Difficult To Imitate

Dune: Prophecy Couldn’t Match Villeneuve’s Vision

In a more casual tone, Choosing to mimic the original Blade Runner film’s style for Blade Runner 2099 doesn’t mean that the 2017 sequel was lacking in any way. Instead, it suggests that the original Blade Runner 2049 is exceptionally hard to replicate, and any attempt to do so might result in a work that feels flat and uninteresting. To illustrate this, consider Dune: Prophecy. While it clearly took inspiration from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, the HBO Max series had difficulty capturing the same enchanting and otherworldly vibe.

Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” sets a solid foundation for innovative interpretations, as demonstrated by Denis Villeneuve with “Blade Runner 2049”. The original 1982 film had a gritty, down-to-earth ambiance that brought the intricate details to life – the steam rising from ramen stalls, the rain-soaked trench coats, and the vibrant neon lights. On the other hand, “Blade Runner 2049” emphasized on luxury living areas or the city’s abandoned peripheries. Despite these differences, Villeneuve’s film maintained a visual connection to the original. If a future “Blade Runner” movie adopts the first film’s style, it can still feel unique and distinct.

Comparing Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner Vs. 2049

2099 Could Use A Bold Cyberpunk Dystopia

In contrast to the original Blade Runner, which primarily took place within the city and showcased a blend of various cultures through its characters, settings, and visual elements like advertising, architecture, and markets, set against a dark, rainy backdrop; the sequel, Blade Runner 2049, ventured beyond Los Angeles. It started on a farm with open spaces and later delved into a dilapidated Las Vegas. While both films maintained a similar style, the setting of the sequel expanded to offer a broader perspective of the world in 2049.

In “Blade Runner 2099”, we can expect a revisit to Los Angeles, where sets may be reused for cost-saving purposes. However, the city’s appearance must reflect an advancement of 80 years as per the storyline. The futuristic setting of 2099 should differ significantly from the dystopian backdrop of 2019 in the original “Blade Runner”. Villeneuve’s sequel effectively demonstrated around 30 years of urban development while maintaining the franchise’s distinctive style.

The New Blade Runner Series Needs Different Treatment

2049’s High Budget & Low Returns Are A Concern

Unlike “Dune: Prophecy”, “Blade Runner 2099” seems to have chosen a different path from its previous installment, “Blade Runner 2049”. While the latter is often hailed as a 21st-century classic, it didn’t manage to recoup its costs at the box office. Consequently, Amazon and Alcon Entertainment don’t have a financial motivation to replicate its success. Moreover, with the production cost per episode expected to be significantly lower than “Blade Runner 2049″‘s $150-$185 million budget, it wouldn’t make sense to follow the same style.

Collaborations Of A Lifetime

2049 wasn’t just about financial success; it was a technical tour de force in every aspect. Roger Deakins’ breathtaking cinematography earned him his first Oscar, while Hans Zimmer kicked off an impressive collaboration with Denis Villeneuve that continued with the Dune films. Adding to this were Joe Walker’s editing skills, another frequent collaborator of Villeneuve, known for his work on Arrival, Sicario, and later Dune. This dream team of talented storytellers made 2049 stand out — a quality that’s difficult for others of their generation to replicate.

Ridley Scott’s Return Brings Hope

It’s hoped that Tom Burke’s comments pertain solely to mimicking the original’s style rather than employing tricks such as digitally de-aging Harrison Ford or exploiting nostalgia. The fact that Ridley Scott is back as an executive producer for the series provides a sense of comfort. Michelle Yeoh portrays Olwen, a replicant close to her life’s end, while Cora, rumored to be played by Hunter Schafer, is said to be a fugitive who joins forces with Olwen to uncover a conspiracy. Plot specifics are being kept secret, and there has yet to be an official announcement regarding the release date for Blade Runner 2099.

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2025-03-25 00:35