Original Gladiator Star Addresses Being Replaced By Paul Mescal In Ridley Scott's New Sequel
While he seemingly performed a feat few filmmakers had succeeded in when Dune to the big screen, director Denis Villeneuve believes Blade Runner 2049 could have potentially been a far more devastating blow to his career had it failed. Having made his name with features including Sicario and Arrival, Villeneuve brought Frank Herbert's influential sci-fi novel to the screen with a two-part adaptation released in 2021 and 2024 respectively. While Villeneuve is set to close out his tenure on Arakkis with a Dune: Messiah adaptation, he is also set to explore the life of Cleopatra in a historical drama.
During a recent BFI London Film Festival panel (per The Hollywood Reporter), Villeneuve explained that one movie he had made prior to Dune made him feel more dread than bringing Herbert's world to life, that being Blade Runner 2049. After having to build himself up to feel that he was ready to tackle the sci-fi drama, Villeneuve decided that the risk would be worth it, as he would be both pushing himself further but would at least be able to end his movie-making career on a personal high-note:
In the past, I refused a few sci-fi films, big films, because I was not greedy... But after Sicario, I felt that I had the muscles to be able to carry a project like [ Blade Runner 2049 ]. I said, "Okay, if I do one big sci-fi movie, and I risk everything, that's beautiful. To make a sequel to my favorite film is a beautiful way to end my career." I thought it was very romantic.
Furthermore, Villeneuve also admitted that he may have learned of the project's development earlier than he potentially should have, having inadvertently witnessed the meeting to produce the sequel, while also going on to recall why he ultimately was chosen over Ridley Scott directing it himself:
When I was doing Prisoners , one day [execs] stopped the meetings and said, "Sorry. Ridley Scott is in the next room. We're not supposed to tell you, but we're doing the sequel to Blade Runner ." I said, "Wow." Then, when I was doing Sicario , I got a call... Ridley is the most prolific, over-busy director. And when I direct one movie, Ridley does three things. I think that Harrison Ford was tired of waiting.
What Villeneuve's Comments Say About Blade Runner 2049's Risky Production
Other Directors Faced Similar Fears
Close
For many film enthusiasts knowledgeable about the development of Blade Runner 2049, it may be unsurprising why the movie was an incredible ordeal for Villeneuve. While the director had shared his concerns about taking on the project in 2020, two other potential directors with incredible prestige had already passed on the project.
When development had begun on the project, Christopher Nolan was named as the original filmmaker intended to helm the sequel, though the Oppenheimer director stated he never intended to take on directing the feature in 2020. Furthermore, even original movie director Ridley Scott had signed up to direct Blade Runner 2049 in 2011, but would depart the project to work on Alien: Covenant. As such, Villeneuve was taking on a task even experienced filmmakers had struggled with.
Our Thoughts On Villeneuve's Filmography Successes
The Director Has Succeeded Where Others Have Failed
Close
Prior to Villeneuve's Dune's release, few had any faith that an adaptation could properly translate the novel to screen. Ever since 1971, various filmmakers have made their own attempts at bringing the story to life, from Alejandro Jodorowsky's ambitious 1970s attempt to David Lynch's now-cult-classic 1984 movie, several miniseries, and smaller scrapped attempts. Furthermore, the director had to face uncertainty that Dune: Part Two would even be produced with complications brought on by changing release strategies to account for the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Related
Every Upcoming Dune Movie & TV Show After Dune 2
Dune: Part 2 closes another arc in the overarching franchise, but Dune's live-action run will continue with more adaptations of Frank Herbert's work.
Nevertheless, even with Blade Runner 2049 falling short financially, both it and Dune are clear successes in the long term. Blade Runner will expand with a new series, and Dune is breaking the taboo of past adaptations and going beyond Paul Atriedes' rise. As such, Villeneuve has cemented himself as a powerful voice in modern Hollywood, and proven he is capable of taking on even the most daunting of tasks.
Source: THR
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
8/10
9/10
Blade Runner 2049
R
Sci-Fi
Action
Drama
Mystery
Set thirty years after the original film, Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi neo-noir film by the director of Dune, Denis Villeneuve. The film follows LAPD replicant officer K, who discovers a devastating secret that could throw society into total chaos. To stop a potential war between replicants and humans, he'll need to locate missing former blade runner Rick Deckard and uncover the truth.
Where to Watch
streamrentbuy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Director Denis Villeneuve
Release Date October 6, 2017
Studio(s) Alcon Entertainment , Columbia Pictures , Scott Free Productions , Bud Yorkin Productions , Torridon Films , 16:14 Entertainment
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Writers Michael Green , Hampton Fancher
Cast Ryan Gosling , Harrison Ford , Jared Leto , Ana De Armas , Robin Wright , Lennie James , Dave Bautista , Carla Juri , Hiam Abbass , Barkhad Abdi , David Dastmalchian , Mackenzie Davis , Sylvia Hoeks
Runtime 163 Minutes
Franchise(s) Blade Runner
prequel(s) Blade Runner
Budget $150 Million
Expand
