If there's one thing that we know about Ridley Scott, it's his talent for helming dark, atmospheric films that always leave a lasting impression on its audience. However, there's one project that he was hoping to work on that the Gladiator director had to pass on. Scott has just admitted that he was supposed to direct Blade Runner 2049 but ultimately chose to work on another major project, and he now lives in regret.
Ridley Scott famously directed 1982's Blade Runner, which underperformed during its theatrical run but eventually became a cult film that influenced future cyberpunk and sci-fi movies and TV shows. So when the sequel was announced, it was only natural that Scott was expected to return and helm the film. However, it was later confirmed that Denis Villeneuve would take on the project.
The change was a surprise, but people simply accepted it. Still, fans wondered why Scott didn't work on a project he was previously passionate about. But in an interview with Empire magazine, the Black Hawk Down director revealed that he stepped down from 2049 because of a scheduling conflict with Alien: Covenant (via Variety).
“I shouldn’t have had to make that decision,” Scott said. “I should have done Blade Runner 2.”
It is understandable why Ridley Scott continues to feel strongly about the Blade Runner sequel and even wishes he was able to helm the project. After all, it would go on to be named one of the best films of 2017 (despite being considered a box office bomb). Scott stayed on as executive producer of 2049.
Blade Runner 2049 starred Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Dave Bautista, and Jared Leto. Harrison Ford reprised his role as Rick Deckard in the sequel. The film followed Gosling's K, a Nexus-9 replicant "blade runner" who uncovers a secret that will change what everyone believed about replicants.
Ridley Scott's most recent projects include the Joaquin Phoenix film Napoleon, which premieres in November 2023. He is currently working on Gladiator 2, the sequel to his widely successful 2000 flick. The new Gladiator movie will hit theaters in November next year.
