Key Takeaways:
– Ridley Scott expresses regret for not directing ‘Blade Runner 2049’.
– Despite its critical acclaim, ‘Blade Runner 2049’ bombed at the box office.
– ‘Blade Runner 2099’ is a soon-to-appear TV series on Prime Video, executive produced by Scott.
– Denis Villeneuve, director of ‘Blade Runner 2049’, vows to not make a sequel to another director’s work in the future.
– Scott also shares his past experiences with Hollywood franchises, including ‘Alien’.
Now onto the news
Famous for his role as an auteur of multiple Hollywood franchises, Ridley Scott recently voiced his regrets over not seizing the director’s chair for ‘Blade Runner 2049’. In conversation with Vanity Fair, Scott admitted, “Although [Denis Villeneuve] did a good job, I was regretful.”
The Sequel to ‘Blade Runner’
‘Blade Runner 2049’, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s cyberpunk masterpiece ‘Blade Runner’, landed in someone else’s lap when Scott shifted his focus to another franchise – ‘Alien: Covenant’. Taking up Scott’s mantle for ‘Blade Runner 2049’ was Denis Villeneuve.
Despite its critical success, ‘Blade Runner 2049’ unfortunately tanked at the box office, thereby putting a lid on any hopes for further sequels. However, it’s not the end of the road for the ‘Blade Runner’ franchise. A TV series titled ‘Blade Runner 2099’ for Prime Video is under development, with Scott participating as an executive producer.
Villeneuve’s Take on Sequels
While Scott laments over his decision, the director of ‘Blade Runner 2049’, Denis Villeneuve, doesn’t seem eager to sign up for a sequel to another director’s creation anytime soon. As hospitable as he was to ‘Blade Runner 2049’, labeling it a “love letter to the first film”, Villeneuve confessed the project was a colossal challenge.
Describing its difficulty, Villeneuve said, “I still wake up sometimes at night, saying, ‘Why did I do that?'”. The director emphasized his decision to reject several big-scale projects, citing ‘Blade Runner 2049’ as a risky but worthy endeavor.
Scott’s Tryst with Franchises
Known for his prowess, Ridley Scott’s name is synonymous with large Hollywood franchises, including ‘Alien’. However, as reported by Vanity Fair, following the release of the first ‘Alien’ movie, Scott was not invited back to direct the sequels.
“I’m the author of two franchises,” Scott said. He explained his decision to let go of the ‘Alien’ franchise after his second movie due to tough partners and lack of choice. However, Scott’s journey with the ‘Alien’ franchise saw a revival when he resumed the director’s mantle with ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant’. As far as the future of the franchise is concerned, Fede Álvarez is all set to steer the ship for the upcoming ‘Alien: Romulus’.
Conclusion
As we delve into the intricacies of Hollywood, it’s clear that franchises present their own unique sets of challenges and rewards for their creators. As Scott continues to reflect on his Hollywood journey, one can only wonder how different ‘Blade Runner 2049’ would have been under his direction. Despite the regrets and drama, the future of the ‘Blade Runner’ franchise appears promising with the upcoming TV series, ‘Blade Runner 2099’. Would you have preferred Ridley Scott at the helm of ‘Blade Runner 2049’? Share your thoughts.
