‘Blade Runner 2’ Lead Ryan Gosling Reveals that Sequel Directly Connects with Original Film, Not a Remake; Mackenzie Davis Joins Cast

‘Blade Runner 2’ actor Ryan Gosling revealed that the upcoming film will be a sequel that directly connects with the original film and will not be a remake as previously speculated. Mackenzie Davis of ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ has also joined the new cast in a yet unspecified role.

Gosling is set to star in the upcoming ‘Blade Runner’ project directed by Denis Villeneuve. According to Digital Spy, he clarified that the new film will not be a remake of the classic neo-noir science-fiction film first released in 1982.

He said, "I can say that we start shooting in July, Harrison [Ford] will be in and it's not a remake of the story, more an extension… I'm really excited because I'm a huge fan of the original - I think that, aside from Alien, it's one of the more important science fiction films ever."

Ford will be returning to reprise his role as Rick Deckard, the protagonist in Ridley Scott’s original film. The character first appeared on Philip K. Dick’s novel ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’ and was later adapted for the live-action full-feature film.

Gosling will reportedly play a yet unnamed character alongside Ford. He was originally rumored to portray a younger Rick Deckard.

Scott will also return as executive producer with original cinematographer Roger Deakins and original screenwriter Hampton Francher. Villeneuve will be replacing Scott as the upcoming film’s director. Villeneuve is best known for his previous work on films such as the ‘Prisoners’ starring Hugh Jackman and ‘Sicario’ starring Emily Blunt.

The first film took place in a dystopian future that had genetically manufactured beings called replicants used for degrading work in Earth’s off-world colonies. Since the use of replicants are banned, those that defy the rules are hunted down and killed by special government operatives called Blade Runners.

It followed Rick Deckard’s hunt for replicants hiding out in L.A. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its release, it gained cult status among fans. It underperformed in the box office and earned only an estimated $32.87 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

Meanwhile, Mackenzie Davis is the latest actress to join the cast. Her role in the film is yet to be confirmed. According to the AV Club, the 29-year old Canadian actress is best known for her role on AMC’s period drama television series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. She also appeared on various full-feature films including ‘That Awkward Moment’, ‘Freaks of Nature’ and ‘The Martian’.

‘Blade Runner 2’ is an upcoming science-fiction film intended as the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 film of the same name. It is scheduled to be released on October 6, 2017.