Alcon Entertainment has finally rounded out the cast of its upcomingBlade Runnersequel, and the final addition is sure to get a reaction. The studio announced today that Oscar winnerJared Letois joining the ensemble in a “key role,” noting that he’ll be turning in a performance as a “memorable, never before seen character.” Leto is, of course, just coming off his highly anticipated turn as The Joker in Warner Bros.’Suicide Squad, and given that he’s a method actor is known to be fairly picky in choosing his projects.
Ridley Scott, who directed the originalBlade Runner, spurred development ofBlade Runner 2a few years ago and is serving as executive producer on the follow-up, which hasSicarioandPrisonersdirectorDenis Villeneuveset to helm. The project has basically been put together in the most promising manner possible, with originalBlade RunnerscribeHampton Fancherco-writing the script withMichael Green,Harrison Fordreprising his role as Rick Deckard, andRyan Goslingset in a co-starring role.
Story details are, as with every Villeneuve project, firmly under wraps but we do know the story takes place several decades after the events of the 1982 original film. Leto is a curious choice to join the ensemble, and one wonders what kind of role was held back until the last minute for an actor of his caliber. Production on the sequel is poised to begin soon, meaning Leto doesn’t have a ton of time off from his reshoots and promotional duties onSuicide Squad. The actor briefly flirted with a co-starring turn in the bestseller adaptationThe Girl on the Trainbut ultimately opted not to join that project, and he’s likely contracted to reprise his role as The Joker in future DC films.
While much has been made of Leto’s extensive methods in preparation forSuicide Squad(a film in which his role was cut down significantly in post-production), the prospect of seeing him take on the world ofBlade Runneris undeniably enticing. He may be annoying to some, but Leto’s a talented dude.
Villeneuve is reuniting with hisSicarioandPrisonerscinematographerRoger DeakinsonBlade Runner 2, marking Deakins’ second ever sci-fi film after1984andIn Time. He is without doubt one of the best cinematographers who’s ever lived, so Deakins’ involvement is yet another reason to be excited about this sequel.
The follow-up is currently untitled, but is poised to be released on June 11, 2025 so I’m sure we’ll hear more sooner rather than later as filming gets underway. No doubt set photos are bound to arise.
Leto joins an ensemble that also includesRobin Wright,Ana de Armas,Sylvia Hoeks,Carla Juri,Mackenzie Davis,Barkhad Abdi,David Dastmalchian,Hiam Abbass,Lennie James, andDave Bautista. Warner Bros. will release the pic in North America while Sony is handling international territories.
