Hey, you don’t need to refer to it as Blade Runner 2 anymore. Or the Blade Runner sequel. The

Images: Warner Bros.

For many of us the idea Blade Runner 2 is actually happening is still a bit shocking. Even more bizarre is the idea that the film might even be good. But fear not, good Blade Runner fan, because Harrison Ford doesn’t just think the script is good, he thinks it’s the best script he’s ever read. At least that’s what Ridley Scott says.

When speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about The Martian (yip, a while ago), and everything else he’s currently working on, Scott insists, ‘that Ford doesn’t just like the script, he loves it.’

Harrison said, ‘Meh,’ and I said, ‘No, read this.’ And I think he said, ‘This is the best script I’ve ever had.’ We’ve been working on it for a couple of years.

The “best script he’s ever read” is the highest praise the man (legend) could possibly give. Ford’s career is quite extensive, and while there are some less than stellar moments on his resume, to be sure, he’s also been part of some absolutely classic sci-fi and adventure franchise films ever to have graced our screens. If the Blade Runner sequel is about to be added to that list then we couldn’t be happier.

We don’t know a great deal about the future of the Blade Runner franchise, other than the fact that the next film is set to star Ford and Ryan Gosling, and that it will answer the question on screen that Scott answered in media many years ago, as to whether or not Deckard is a Replicant. Several months ago Scott had said that Blade Runner 2 might be his next project after The Martian. However, that was back when Scott was looking at directing the film. As it stands now, Scott will only be producing the picture, while Denis Villeneuve (who made the excellent 2015 thriller Sicario), is on-board and will take the director’s chair.

Blade Runner‘s co-writer Hampton Fancher is back and working on a story previously written in conjunction with Scott. This means Scott’s schedule is less important to overall production schedule, which is probably good as the 77-year-old writer and director has a lot of work on his plate at present, including Alien: Paradise Lost.

So now we will continue to look forward to not only a cult classic beloved by millions, but one that apparently has an utterly amazing script. This is only going to make the wait tougher to deal with. If the script is truly that wonderful, there may be another added benefit as well. Hopefully it means they won’t need to make 15 different edits to the film over the next three decades.

Blade Runner 2049. The first one is set in 2019 so it makes sense in that regard, even if it’s not the most exciting title. More interesting in this little announcement is the accompanying set photo: or something within the photo. The main focus is understandably on those involved; director Denis Villeneuve, producer Ridley Scott, and actors Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling. It doesn’t spike the heartrate like earlier concept art, but it does include an ‘gadget’ that ties it into the first movie.

Harrison Ford reprises his role as replicant hunter Deckard—which means the film is likely to touch on that age old question of whether he is or isn’t a replicant himself—and is joined by Ryan Gosling in an as yet unnamed role. Naturally, given the title, the film is set 30 years after the storyline of the original. A picture of actors alongside director Denis Villeneuve having a jolly—not-at-all-staged—good time was tweeted out from the official Blade Runner 2049 Twitter account to announce the release date.

Take a look on that lovely counter in the picture. The presence of those iconic firearms is a nice touch. It also gives us info on how the world of Blade Runner has changed in the 30 years that’s passed since the first film first adorned our screens. Or hasn’t as the case may be. The fact that someone is still using these blasters means either one of two things; they remain standard issue for runners OR Deckard’s hung onto his as mementoes (I personally like the last idea!).

That’s not important right now. What’s important is that 34 years after Blade Runner made its debut in cinemas, flopped horribly, and only later became a critical darling and adorned by millions of geeks around the world, there’s just 364 days to go until we can watch it.

Take a look at the gorgeous concept work that’s on show: to see more, jog to the official Blade Runner 2 image gallery.

In an interview with EW, Blade Runner 2 director Denis Villeneuve discussed his thoughts on the production of what is sure to be one of the most anticipated sequels of all time.

During the interview Villeneuve confirmed that events during the film will take place “several decades after the original”.

Also confirmed was that the setting will once again be a “future Los Angeles”, however it will be one that encompasses a large portion of the West Coast. Villeneuve said: “The climate has gone berserk – the ocean, the rain, the snow is all toxic.”

Directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, Jared Leto, Mackenzie Davis, Barkhad Abdi, and Harrison Ford, Blade Runner 2 will be released in cinemas on October 6, 2017.

Images: Warner Bros.