Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, a direct sequel to Ridley Scott‘s future noir classic, is one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year, with Harrison Ford returning as Deckard and new addition Ryan Gosling as the mysterious Officer K. A stunning new featurette released today on Entertainment Weekly, just in time for Blade Runner‘s 35th anniversary on Sunday, has given us a behind the scenes look at this new vision of Neo LA and it’s bursting at the seams with brand new footage.
Giving us our closest look so far at the long awaited return of Harrison Ford’s is he/isn’t he replicant Deckard and Ryan Gosling’s new addition to Scott’s world, we begin in a room reminiscent of J.F. Sebastian’s toy-filled mansion from the first movie, as a hologram of Frank Sinatra sings to Gosling’s Officer K whilst he walks though the echoing halls of the huge house. The epic practical sets and incredible lighting instantly evoke the world Scott created so many years ago.
The cast and crew’s dedication to creating an entire world within their film is clear with 13-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins stating, “I’ve never worked on a film with so many different sets and lighting patterns, it’s actually quite challenging,” referring to the incredible practical work that appears to fill the world of Blade Runner 2049. Showcasing a number of the mind blowing sets, we see sprawling cityscapes with skyscraper-sized holograms, a world where climate change and weather are out of control. We also get a look at new cast members who appear vital to the story, including an intriguing moment when Deckard asks a female companion where they’re going and she simply says, “home.”
Though the plot details are sparse and the featurette doesn’t expand on those, this three minute video will likely be reassuring to fans as the visual universe it portrays is one that seems at the same time wonderfully familiar but also excitingly new.
How do you feel about this return to Scott’s iconic Sci-Fi? Super stoked to go back to Neo LA? Bored of constant reboots? Just excited to see Ryan Gosling in a lovely coat? Let us know in the comments!
Images: Warner Bros.
