Denis Villeneuve explains why making Blade Runner 2049 both scared and fascinated him.
On the surface, the idea of making a sequel toBlade Runnerwould seem unthinkable.
Ridley Scotts original 1982 film (adapted from Philip K. Dicks novelDo Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?)
Thats where Denis Villeneuve comes in.
It was both, he admits.
At the beginning, I was frightened to the core.
Theres a trend to revisit all those classics.
I wasnt sure until I read the screenplay.
There was very strong ideas in the screenplay, he says.
I said, Okay, I get it.
Its not a regurgitation, its not recycling something.
Its really approaching it from a different angle with the same kind of poetry.
Thats why I felt compelled (to do it).
It took me a while before I said yes, because its such a huge responsibility.
The way of telling a story, the power of a director, theyre all linked withBlade Runner.
So, for me, it was a circle, you know?
That was the toughest thing, he says with a small laugh.
Do you dream from the dream of someone else?
How can I take Ridleys vision, Ridleys world, and make it my own?
Its all about giving yourself permission.
To enter in the church with the paint.
But I had (Ridleys) blessing, which was the key.
I also had strong allies, and one of them was Roger Deakins.
Both of them were strong collaborators from a storytelling point of view, he says.
I would say that I felt a huge responsibility to bring back Rick Deckard, he says.
Yes, yes, yes, he affirms.
Theyre less known or unknown in America, but Ridley being from England, we shared the same references.
A movie likeArrivalwas definitely inspired by those authors.
I prefer the idea of approaching the border of the unknown, he suggest.
That something is outside of our knowledge or our zone of comfort with science.
Thats what I would say.
I would love to do it, he reveals.
Its the birth of the project right now.
Im just drawing and Eric Roth is writing the screenplay right now.
If the studio and I agree on it, then it will happen.
If we dont, then Ill be sad (laughs).
But yeah, I would love to make that.
Blade Runner 2049is out in theaters Friday (October 6).
