Blade Runner’s Next Sequel Is More Exciting Thanks To This New TV Show With 99% On Rotten Tomatoes

The upcoming television series Blade Runner 2099 sounds even more promising based on an esteemed director attached to the project. Following the events of Denis Villeneuve’s critically acclaimed 2017 film Blade Runner 2049, Blade Runner 2099 will act as a direct sequel to 2049. Produced by original Blade Runner director Ridley Scott, Blade Runner 2099 will take place 50 years after Villenueve’s 2049 and is currently in development at Amazon Studios.

While there is currently little information on Blade Runner 2099, the highly anticipated series is expected to begin filming in April 2024. The series should run with a traditional structure of 10 hour-length episodes and will be released exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. If production goes according to schedule, Blade Runner 2099 could come out as soon as late 2025. Tom Spezialy (The Leftovers, Watchmen) reportedly wrote the script for the pilot episode while Halo’s Silka Luisa is also listed as a writer on the project.

A Shōgun Director Working On Blade Runner 2099 Is A Great Sign

Johnathan van Tulleken directed the opening episodes of Shōgun

Jonathan van Tulleken is directing some of Blade Runner 2099 after directing the first two episodes of Shōgun. Upon its late February 2024 release, Shōgun has been heralded as one of, if not the very best, new series on television. Van Tulleken directed the opening two episodes of Shōgun titled “Anjin” and “Servants of Two Masters”, which is a great indication of the quality and visual style of Blade Runner 2099. Van Tulleken’s other directing credits include The Changeling, Top Boy, and Upload.

Canadian director Jeremy Podeswa had initially signed on to direct the first episode of Blade Runner 2099 but had to step down due to scheduling conflicts. Production of Blade Runner 2099 was meant to begin in 2023 but was delayed due to the WGA and SAG strikes, pushing back production to 2024. Filming will reportedly take place in Prague, Czech Republic. Other than Scott, Van Tulleken will also serve as an executive producer of the project.

What We Know About Blade Runner 2099 & Why It’s Exciting For The Franchise

Blade Runner 2099 should expand on the theme of replicant procreation

The plot and cast of Blade Runner 2099 are being kept tight under wraps, but one thing for sure is that the new Amazon series should have the same iconic aesthetic as Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049. Since Ryan Gosling’s K protagonist appears to die at the end of Blade Runner 2049, it’s unlikely that he will appear in the sequel. The Wallace Corporation should also continue to be at large in Blade Runner 2099, and the 2049 theme of replicants having children could be expanded on as well. With the combined vision of Scott and Van Tulleken, Blade Runner 2099 is in exceptional hands.