The Flickering Myth team react…
It doesn’t seem like its real, but we’re getting a direct sequel to the iconic science fiction masterpiece Blade Runner next year, and the first trailer dropped yesterday [watch it here]. So, what did our Flickering Myth writing staff think of our first look at Blade Runner 2049?
Sean Wilson: Captivating, discombobulating and visually arresting but, most crucially, enigmatic. It doesn’t front-load its mystery but teases at all manner of philosophical questions in a manner that intrigues. I can’t wait, frankly. This is in excellent hands with Denis Villeneuve.
Tai Freligh: The original is my favourite movie of all time, so I’m super excited for this and the footage looks great. They teased just enough to make me curious what the plot is, and I like the idea of tracking down Rick when he’s essentially retired. I can’t wait!
Tom Jolliffe: Blade Runner is my favourite film of all-time. The idea of a sequel repulsed me. However when the cast and director were announced I was more open. This trailer nailed it! It screams Blade Runner in all the right ways. Getting a fresh and relevant sci-fi director was sensible and it looks great. I hope they bring back Vangelis, or at least keep stylistically similar with the music. This is easily my most anticipated film of next year now…it shouldn’t be, but it is. All credit to those involved. Now they have to deliver.
Helen Murdoch: Great trailer, not too much revealed, beautifully shot. Looking forward to it!
Thomas O’Connor: Did anyone else expect to see Michael Fassbender as Macbeth wander confusedly into the shot in those orange scenes? Probably not as nobody saw that movie. Anyway, what we’ve got here is a teaser in the purest sense of the word. Nothing in the way of story, just a tantalizing glimpse of the visuals in all their misty and orange loveliness. If nothing else, Blade Runner 2049 looks very pretty, and we can thank Roger Deakins once again for that. Hopefully Ford, Gosling and co can fill these beautiful shots with a story worth telling.
Martin Carr: Everything about this trailer feels right. Gosling works in one line of dialogue, while Ford carries the baggage of an iconic character but looks weather worn rather than jaded. This feels like a lot more than just paycheque performances from both. I am sold.
James Garcia: Loved the footage, though the trailer itself didn’t reveal much. It certainly LOOKS like a Blade Runner movie, which is great. I have full confidence in Villeneuve to deliver something special.
Ricky Church: Looks intriguing. I too was skeptical about a Blade Runner sequel, but this certainly looks like it will be worthy of the first’s legacy. The cinematography seems excellent; it certainly does have the look and feel of the original and I definitely like how this is a legitimate teaser. Gives nothing away but tantalizing hints about what the sequel may be about as Gosling says “Things were easier back then”. Villeneuve has done his job and gotten me interested.
Eddy Gardiner: Suitably enigmatic. I think if anyone’s going to do this film justice, it’s Denis Villeneuve. One of the finest directors currently working.
Anghus Houvouras: It was so ethereal it may as well been non existent. That wasn’t a teaser or a trailer. It was barely a whiff. The hint of something familiar but it doesn’t linger long enough to leave an impression. Fans of the original will enjoy it. Everyone else will be saying ‘what the fuck did i just watch?’
Chris Cooper: The original didn’t stick with me. This doesn’t either.
Ray Willmott: Much more atmospheric than any trailer I’ve seen in the last few years. Hints at subject matter but never opens Pandora’s Box. The directing already looks first class. The acting seems assured. Like the others, Blade Runner is my all-time favourite movie, but I no longer feel nervous about this sequel. That’s about the highest praise I can think to give.
Villordsutch: Just a tease of what’s to come, singing back to the enigmatic elements of the original. I can see everyone who loves and adores Sir Ridley Scott’s classic being enamoured with the imagery, though perhaps not with the ‘Han Solo-like’ appearance of Deckard. Meanwhile anyone who hasn’t seen the original will possibly be scratching the scalps wondering if they’ve just watched another perfume advert.
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Well, that was a mostly positive reaction – but not overwhelming. Those who loved the original are digging the feel and aesthetic, but we have some doubters in our ranks. What did you make of the trailer?
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Blade Runner 2049 is set for release on October 6th and sees Dennis Villeneuve (Arrival) direct Blade Runner veteran Harrison Ford joined by newcomers Ryan Gosling (Drive), Jared Leto (Suicide Squad), Ana de Armas (War Dogs) and Robin Wright (House of Cards).
Originally published December 20, 2016. Updated November 30, 2022.
