Does Ridley Scott Dream of Electric Sheep? Or possibly just reteaming with Harrison Ford for New Blade Runner?

Harrison Ford has the distinct rarity in the analog of science fiction/fantasy cinema of playing not one, not two, but three iconic characters: Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and....Rick Deckard.

While a few short years ago Ford reprised the second role on the list, now comes the rumor that he may in fact be returning for the third one.

Even before Ridley Scott's upcoming film Prometheus began filming, rumors flew that Scott's next film would be a "reimagining" of Scott's groundbreaking 1982 science fiction film Blade Runner. While Alcon Entertainment categorically denied that the film would have anything to do with Deckard, it appears that that might (strong emphasis on might) not now be the case.

Apparently Ford is in very early talks to join the new Blade Runner. However, this doesn't necessarily mean this could be a direct sequel rather than a "reimagining" as was once thought. While that remains a possibility I think it likely that Ford might show up for five minutes just for nostalgia's sake. It would be pretty hard to have a direct sequel when the original film was set in 2019 only seven years from now. Also there is the additional fact that there are currently no androids in existence. Although to be fair Scott doesn't seem the type of director to go the whole nostalgia route.

Frankly I hope the "reimagining" of Blade Runner doesn't happen. Philip K. Dick, who wrote the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? upon which Blade Runner is based on, must be turning over in his grave. Even though I wasn't originally a huge fan (like most critics of the time) I now recognize it (like most critics of the present time) what a groundbreaking piece of cinema that film was. I'd really hate to taint that with some half-ass "reimagining." About the only saving grace is that Scott intends to return as director.

Ridley Scott's next film, Prometheus, releases this June 8th and stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, and Charlize Theron. Harrison Ford meanwhile is set to begin filming the adaptation of Orson Scott Card's film Ender's Game and (supposedly) later this year return for a fifth go round as Indiana Jones.