“Blade Runner 2099” is set to begin filming this year, but they will no longer be filming in Northern Ireland as scheduled. The Ridley Scott directed series, commissioned by Amazon, was originally going to be shot in Belfast, Ireland.
Filming was previously delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. It is still unclear as to why the location has changed.
“We are conscious that these difficult decisions do happen in the screen industry, particularly with the most expensive projects which carry the greatest expectations,” Chief executive of Norther Ireland Screen Richard Williams said. “This obviously leaves a gap in Northern Ireland’s production schedule and Northern Ireland Screen will do everything it can to plug that gap as quickly as possible, mindful that many freelance crew and supply chain companies were relying on this project for work.”
Northern Ireland Screen gave the production £4.1 million (just over $5 million USD) which will be returned. The filming would have been based in Belfast Harbour Studios.
“Blade Runner 2099” is a 10-part series following the events of the two films. Considered the pinnacle of the sci-fi genre, Harrison Ford starred in the original “Blade Runner,” which was directed by Scott. Ford co-starred in the Denis Villeneuve-directed sequel, “Blade Runner 2049,” along with Ryan Gosling in 2017. The sequel grossed $267 million with its release.
“Blade Runner 2099” will eventually be streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Scott will be directing, as well as acting as an executive producer. There is no cast yet or production start date. We’ll let you know what we hear about this and other news.
