Dennis Villeneuve’s sequel Blade Runner 2049 has been marked with the release of short films that are set after the events of Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi neo noir drama Blade Runner. After two prequels directed by Ridley Scott’s son Luke, the third is helmed by Shinichiro Watanabe, who is famous for directing the anime series Cowboy Bepop and Samurai Champloo.
Titled Blade Runner Blackout 2022, the short film has been scored by experimental musician Flying Lotus. It also features additional music by Gerald Trottman, Kuedo and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.
“I was careful about two things while directing this anime piece: First was to pay the greatest respect to the original Blade Runner, and second was to make this anime true to the world, but not an animation,” Watanabe says in the preview for the prequel. The short film has been posted here.
While the first prequel 2036: Nexus Dawn starred Jared Leto, 2048: Nowhere to run featured David Bautista. Blade Runner 2049 is scheduled for an October 6 release.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!