Blade Runner Started The Worst Trend Of Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Movie Career

While 1982’s Blade Runner is a classic, it nonetheless set a trend for Ridley Scott’s sci-fi movies that has arguably harmed his career. Scott is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, and Blade Runner could be regarded as his magnum opus. However, with the film, Scott set a precedent that had an unfortunate effect on another entry in the director’s lengthy back catalog.

Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Blade Runner was originally released in theaters in 1982, and has gone on to be regarded as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. Its influence on the science fiction genre is undeniable, and its legacy lives on in a big way. Blade Runner, though undoubtedly a masterpiece in its own right, did give way to a trend that has negatively impacted Scott’s reputation and it relates to Blade Runner’s multiple different cuts.

Blade Runner Set A Precedent For Ridley Scott Revisiting Sci-Fi Movies

Blade Runner Has Multiple Cuts

Following the initial release of Blade Runner in 1982, subsequent edits were made to the original theatrical version. Over time, this has resulted in seven different cuts of Blade Runner, each telling the same overall narrative but with subtle differences designed to bring new meaning to the story. The 1992 Director’s Cut was, for a long time, seen as the definitive cut. However, the so-called Final Cut, released in 2007, is now widely regarded as the ultimate cut as it was the only version of Blade Runner where Ridley Scott had complete creative control.

While some will argue that Scott’s constant tinkering is a rather pointless exercise, the different cuts of Blade Runner have, overall, resulted in better versions of the film than what was initially shown in theaters. Scott was never completely satisfied with any of the cuts released in the U.S. or internationally, so it makes sense that he seized the opportunity to properly realize his vision. Nevertheless, in doing this, he started a trend of revisiting his previous sci-fi projects instead of simply leaving them be, which has, unfortunately, had broadly negative results.

Ridley Scott Revisiting Alien Ruined His Sci-Fi Legacy

He Should Have Left Alien Alone, However

Aside from Blade Runner, Ridley Scott’s other science fiction masterpiece is 1979’s Alien. The sci-fi horror movie propelled Scott into the mainstream and established him as one of Hollywood’s greatest directors. The film’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, yet its legacy has been somewhat marred in recent years. Scott’s instinct to go back and unpack his previous work, which started with the numerous cuts of Blade Runner, led the director to return to the Alien series, where he made a pair of disappointing contributions.

Both 2012’s Prometheus and 2017’s Alien: Covenant serve as prequels to the first Alien film. While the Alien franchise had experienced more lows than highs in the years before Scott’s return, his lack of direct involvement meant that both his reputation and the legacy of the original film were left largely intact. On the other hand, the mixed response garnered by both Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, and their removal of much of the mystery surrounding the original film has caused irreparable damage and, ultimately, proved that Scott’s decision to return was a mistake.

Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner Changes Did Make The Movie Better

Blade Runner Is Undoubtedly Stronger Today Than In 1982

Though Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner cuts did, unfortunately, lead to the director tinkering too much with the Alien franchise, they did undoubtedly lead to a better version of Blade Runner. It’s highly likely that if Scott hadn’t kept revisiting Blade Runner and making those alterations, the film would never have gained the glowing reputation it has today. Furthermore, not only did Scott improve the film by making different cuts over the years, but by doing so, very much kept Blade Runner in the cultural zeitgeist.

Scott’s constant tinkering may have had both positive and negative effects on his work but, for now, at least, he seems to have stopped. For Blade Runner’s sequel, 2017’s Blade Runner 2049, the veteran filmmaker mercifully had no involvement. With the film being a critical success, no damage was done to either Scott’s reputation or the original film’s legacy. Likewise, Scott will merely take on a backseat role in the production of the upcoming Alien: Romulus, the seventh installment in the series, demonstrating how he may have learned from his past mistakes.