The Spotlight: Denis Villeneuve talks possible third 'Blade Runner' film, 'The dream isn’t dead'
October 2017 seems so very long ago.
It was a hopeful time. A time before porgs and floating space princesses. Critics had nothing but praise for director Denis Villeneuve's visionary Blade Runner sequel. A third film seemed a given.
On opening day, Villeneuve, screenwriter Hampton Fancher and star Harrison Ford each claimed an eagerness to take part in another installment. Fancher wanted to open up the universe, Ford wanted another quality script, but the wise Villeneuve knew that above all else, he needed a damn hit.
Welp, be it apathetic millennials, China or otherwise, fate did not smile on Blade Runner 2049 at the box office. Despite reports that production company Alcon Entertainment could stand to lose over $80 million due to the film's semi-flop, Villeneuve recently told Deadline that all hope may not be lost.
Is there a world where a third film could be made at a lower cost, or does that depend on the pic’s Oscar endgame?
That’s a question that should be asked to the producers at Alcon. I don’t like to put words in others’ mouths. Alcon is very proud of the movie and they’ve told me this 100 times. They believe in this universe and they’re still inspired. I don’t know the outcome of that, but the dream isn’t dead.
What’s next for you? Legendary’s Dune or Sony’s Cleopatra?
I’m working on the screenplay right now with Eric Roth for Dune. Cleopatra will require a long process of preparation and research. It’s a long term project. Right now, I’m committed to Dune, and I don’t want to rush it. I need to slow down. I made five movies in six years. I just finished doing press for Blade Runner 2049 a few weeks ago and I’m home back in Montreal. I’m still digesting the experience of Blade Runner 2049. It was the most challenging artistic journey of my life. In making the film, I went to film school.
So please, keep those fingers crossed, work up those online petitions and order 5-10 copies of the 4K special edition Blu-ray box set.
(image via Warner Bros.)
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