With Alcon Entertainment developing a sequel to Blade Runner, actor Ryan Gosling is reportedly in talks to take on a leading role in the sci-fi action film.
The upcoming sequel will be helmed by ‘Prisoners’ director Denis Villenueve; Ridley Scott, helmer of the original classic film adaptation based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, has joined the team as executive producer.
Harrison Ford, who starred in the first film, will return to the sequel as android replicant hunter Rick Deckard. Although casting for the upcoming film was initially believed to be risky, Gosling was deemed as a suitable actor to add a “cool element” to the movie.
Original co-writer Hampton Fancher and Michael Green have penned the screenplay as drawn out from the concepts of Fancher and Scott. The story will be taking place a few decades after the ending of the 1982 adaptation.
Plot details, as well as the character of Gosling, will not be revealed. Filming of the ‘Blade Runner’ sequel will begin in summer 2016.
Primarily acting in indie films, Gosling has increasingly been recognized for starring in mainstream movies. He is currently filming ‘The Big Short’, helmed by Adam McKay as based on Michael Lewis’ non-fiction book. Gosling appears in the movie alongside Brad Pitt and Christian Bale. He has also been set to join supernatural family movie ‘The Haunted Mansion’ by Guillermo del Toro.
Furthermore, the ‘Drive actor’ is in talks to reunite with ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ co-star Emma Stone in Lionsgate’s upcoming ‘La La Land’ musical helmed by Damien Chazelle.
Fans can also look forward to the actor making an appearance in the drama movie ‘Weightless’ directed by Terrence Malick. Michael Fassbender, Natalie Portman and Rooney Mara will also take on leading roles in this film centered on love, obsession and betrayal.
Gosling has also been in talks to take part in the crime mystery thriller movie ‘The Nice Guys’ by Shane Black, which also stars Russell Crowe and Matt Bomer.
Meanwhile, director Villanueve has earned a Competition slot at the Cannes Film Festival for the film ‘Sicario’, which follows a drug-trafficking drama story starring Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro and Emily Blunt. He is currently taking on directorial duties for the sci-film ‘Story of Your Life’, which pre-bought at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for $20 million.
