It may have taken the better part of 30 years to get a sequel toBlade Runner, butBlade Runner 2049was more than worth the wait.Denis Villeneuvedelivered a film that built upon the original themes ofRidley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece while wrangling a talented cast that includesRyan Gosling,Ana de Armas,andHarrison Fordreprising his role asBlade Runnerprotagonist Rick Deckard. On top of winning two Academy Awards,Blade Runner 2049also paved the way for Villeneuve to work on theDunefilm—even thoughhe’d later discuss the doubts he had during the filming process.
WhatBlade Runnerfans might not know is thatthere are a trio of short films that bridge the 30-year gap between the original film andBlade Runner 2049.Not only do these short films provide a deeper look intoBlade Runner 2049’s cast of characters, but they also explore key events in theBlade Runnertimeline—even more surprising is the creative talent that brought these films to life.
Two of the ‘Blade Runner’ Short Films Center on Major Characters in ‘Blade Runner 2049’
The firstBlade Runnershort film,2036: Nexus Dawn,is centered on ruthless industrialist Niander Wallace (Jared Leto), as he argues for the mass production of his Nexus-9 replicants; he eventually manages to convince the council by having one of these replicants decide between killing Niander or taking his own life. That was followed by2048: Nowhere to Run,which follows replicant Sapper Morton (Dave Bautista) as he attempts to make a life for himself, eventually bonding with a single mother and her daughter.2036:Nexus Dawnand2048:Nowhere to Runadd a deeper context to the events ofBlade Runner 2049, specifically how replicants transform from being feared and hated to being loyal servants—Wallace’s right-hand woman Luv (Sylvia Hoeks) is utterly committed to carrying out his will, even murdering anyone who stands in his way. On the other hand, Morton winds up using his immense strength to kill a group of muggers, which forces him to go into hidingand sets the stage for Gosling’s Officer K to find him whenBlade Runner 2049begins.
2036:Nexus Dawnand2048:Nowhere to Runalso hold the distinction of being directed by Ridley Scott’s sonLuke Scott, who managed totell a compelling story across both films, despite the fact that they’re only six minutes long.He accomplishes this with shots that push in on the characters, allowing the camera to linger on their faces. That way, the audience can notice the subtle facial expressions that betray a character’s inner emotions, whether it’s Wallace growing irritated with the questions that lawmakers present to him or the desolate look in Bautista’s eyes once Morton is forced to run. In fact, between2048: Nowhere To Runand the opening ofBlade Runner 2049,Bautista cements himself asa phenomenal character actor.
An Anime Legend Directed ‘Blade Runner Black Out 2022’ Which Explains a Major Event in ‘Blade Runner’ Lore
The third and finalBlade Runnershort film,Blade Runner Black Out 2022, took an entirely different approach from2036:Nexus Dawnand2048:Nowhere to Run. It was an anime short under the direction ofShinichirō Watanabe, and watchingBlade Runner Black Out 2022it’s pretty clear that this is a Watanabe project as it features the signature mix of violence and character dynamics that he deployed inCowboy BebopandSamurai Champloo.Blade RunnerBlack Out 2022also features a major moment inBlade Runnerhistory, as replicants Iggy (Jovan Jackson) and Trixie (Luci Christian)wind up destroying the Tyrell Corporation’s servers, causing a massive blackout. This eventually leads to Tyrell going bankrupt and Niander Wallace rising to power with his new replicants.
If You Love ‘Blade Runner,’ This Documentary About the Writer of Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Classic Is Just as Fascinating
The documentary is unique for its focus on the persona behind the hit film!
Blade Runner Black Out 2022wouldn’t be the only time that the worlds ofBlade Runnerand anime collided.Blade Runner: Black Lotus, which takes place in betweenBlade Runner Black Out 2022and2036: Nexus Dawnfollows replicant Elle (Jessica Henwick) as she discovers she was built with a secret purpose.Blade Runner: Black Lotuswassadly caught in the Great Max Purge of 2022, but it and the trio of short films prove that there’s still life in theBlade Runneruniverse.Blade Runnerfans should definitely check out these films while waiting forBlade Runner 2099.
Blade Runner 2049
Young Blade Runner K’s discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former Blade Runner Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for thirty years.
