http://www.mania.com/blade-runner-returning-for-wb_article_128793.html Genre fans will soon see a return of the Blade Runner and it will not be a remake or a reboot of Ridley Scott's 1982 classic sci-fi tale. Instead, it could be a prequel, a sequel or a new TV series based around the story that Harrison Ford once starred in. Warner Bros. Pictures and Alcon Entertainment have announced a deal which sees Alcon executives Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove in final discussions to secure rights to film, television and ancillary franchise rights to produce prequels and sequels to the film.
Alcon is negotiating to secure the rights from producer-director Bud Yorkin, who will serve as producer on “Blade Runner” along with Kosove and Johnson. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will co-produce. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.
Alcon’s franchise rights would be all-inclusive, but exclude rights to remake the original. The Company, however, may produce projects based on situations introduced in the original film. The project would be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. International rights are yet to be determined.
Johnson and Kosove stated: “We are honored and excited to be in business with Bud Yorkin. This is a major acquisition for our company, and a personal favorite film for both of us. We recognize the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce. We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only.”
