There is good news for Sci-Fan fans this Monday afternoon. Despite the television industry fighting its belt everywhere it can, the “Blade Runner” limited series spin-off, “Blade Runner 2099,” is still happening. And it’s happening much sooner than you thought. Especially with the addition of director Jonathan Van Tulleken to the production team.
READ MORE: “Blade Runner 2099”: Live action limited series lands at Amazon Prime Video
According to Deadline, Tullkenen is coming on board to replace Jeremy Podeswa who is best known for his work on “Game of Thrones” and “Station Eleven.” The reason for Podeswa’s departure was noted as a “scheduling conflict” due to the recent WGA and SAG strikes. While Tullkenen is less known than his predecessor, he just wrapped helming the first two episodes of FX’s much-hyped “Shogun” limited series that debuts on February 27. Tullkenen’s credits also include “The Changeling,” “Upload,” “Trust” and the 2018 BBC series “Wonderdate” which earned him his second BAFTA Award nomination.
Originally intended to film in Belfast, Northern Ireland last summer, strike delays (and likely other economic considerations) have pushed production to Prague. Filming is set to now begin in April. Once touted as potentially directing an episode or two, original “Blade Runner” helmer Ridley Scott will just executive produce through his Scott Free Productions. Alcon Entertainment is the other major production entity behind the project.
Silka Luisa, whose credits include the Pararamount+ version of “Halo” and the Apple TV+ series “Shining Girls,” is still the writer, executive producer, and showrunner. No casting announcements have been made or leaked so far, but with production beginning in less than two months, they should begin to pepper out imminently.
Details on “2099’s” storyline or how it may be connected to the previous “Blade Runner” films have been kept close to the vest.
Additionally, Prime Video has not revealed when they expect “Blade Runner 2099” to debut on the service, but we’d expect it no earlier than 2025.