A sequel to the cult sci-fi hit “Blade Runner,” “Blade Runner 2049” picks up 30 years after the events of the original film. The film follows K (Ryan Gosling), an AI replicant employed as a Blade Runner by the LAPD. After stumbling upon a long-hidden corpse during a case, K begins to find clues that could lead him to unravel a mystery three decades in the making. Read on for 10 fascinating pieces of trivia about the blockbuster sci-fi sequel.
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10 things you didn’t know about Blade Runner 2049
1. Harrison Ford wasn’t going to be in the movie
When production first began back in 2011, the production team was adamant that actor Harrison Ford would not be returning to his role from the first film as Detective Rick Deckard. Producer Andrew Kosove even said that rumors Ford would be involved were “absolutely, patently false.” That all changed in 2014, when it was revealed that Ford had signed on to the production and would be reprising the iconic role of Deckard.
2. The ruins of Vegas were based on a real place
To create the distinctive, red-tinged look of the ruins of Las Vegas, the production team drew on real-life sources for inspiration. The red-tinted, Mars-like look of the desolate city was directly inspired by images of the 2009 dust storm in Sydney, Australia. The massive storm blanketed the Australian capital in thick clouds of alien-looking red dust for over two days.
3. You can drink the actual whiskey from the movie
During a scene late in the movie, K and Deckard share a drink. The whiskey that they’re drinking is actually available for purchase. Distiller Johnnie Walker issued a limited edition scotch branded “Black Label: The Director’s Cut” to coincide with the movie’s release. Sold in a futuristic-looking bottle, director Denis Villeneuve helped create the unique beverage.
4. Dave Bautista almost wasn’t cast
Director Denis Villeneuve had originally wanted a grizzled, tired looking older actor to play the role of rogue replicant Sapper Morton. It was for this reason that actor Dave Bautista nearly wasn’t cast. Villeneuve directly told Bautista that he was “too young” to play the part. It was only with the help of the movie’s makeup team that Bautista was able to take on a more weathered look, which won over Villeneuve.
5. David Bowie was considered for a role
The movie’s antagonist, Niander Wallace, is a ruthless CEO looking to interfere with K’s investigation to fuel his own ambitions. Villeneuve was adamant that actor and pop icon David Bowie should play the role, as he embodied the “rock star” quality that he was looking for in the character. Unfortunately, Bowie tragically passed away in 2016 before Villeneuve could approach him with an offer. Instead, Jared Leto was cast in the role, which Villeneuve again attributed to Leto’s similar “rock star” image.
Blade Runner 2049
6. One of the actresses used to cosplay “Blade Runner” characters growing up
Actor Mackenzie Davis plays Mariette, a member of the replicant freedom movement. Many have noted that Davis bears a striking resemblance to a young Daryl Hannah, who played replicant Pris in the original film. In fact, the resemblance was so strong that Davis has admitted she would frequently cosplay as Pris growing up.
7. Harrison Ford actually punched Ryan Gosling on set
Harrison Ford has made a career out of throwing punches, whether it be taking out Imperial Stormtroopers as Han Solo or taking down Nazis with his right hook as Indiana Jones. Unfortunately, Ryan Gosling found himself on the wrong end of Ford’s clenched fist . During filming, one of Ford’s punches accidentally connected, sending Gosling reeling. The exact moment of the unintentional punch was captured in all its glory in the image above.
8. The soundtrack contains a hidden easter egg
Fans with keen ears will recognize an easter egg hidden in the film’s soundtrack. The final scene of the movie includes a music cue from the original film. The cue originally played over the final moments of replicant Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) as he delivered his now legendary “tears in the rain” monologue.
9. Jared Leto went temporarily blind for his role
Jared Leto is known for his use of method acting , in which actors will aspire to both physically and mentally take on the role of their characters. In the movie, Leto plays corporate CEO Niander Wallace, who is blind. As such, Leto wore specially made opaque contacts that completely obscured his vision while filming. He also worked with the Junior Blind of America to prep for the role.
10. More sequels are in the works
In 2018, Ridley Scott revealed during an interview that he has another “Blade Runner” story in development. Though no details have been revealed, Scott has long been adamant that he would continue to make “Blade Runner” movies as long as audiences remain interested.
To check out the movie for yourself, here’s where to stream “Blade Runner 2049” right now.
Blade Runner
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