Amazon Prime’s Blade Runner 2099 series has high expectations from fans to remain faithful to the acclaimed movie series and not risk losing the spirit of the franchise. Unlike other franchises that are seeing spin-offs, Blade Runner has never been a commercial hit in the past, with both films famously flopping at the box office, despite being critically acclaimed and having a strong cult following. An attempt to commercialize a franchise that has previously failed may require changes, causing skepticism that future installments may damage the reputation of the original 1982 film and its 2017 sequels.

Few details are available regarding the Amazon Prime series, as it’s still early on in its development. Though the streaming service has had major hits, the most recent attempt at bringing a renowned movie franchise to television with The Rings of Power, was incredibly divisive. Ridley Scott, director of the first Blade Runner film, is involved in the project as a producer once again, offering some hope that the project won’t stray too far from what made the first two films great.

Blade Runner 2099 Should Take Place On Earth


One of the most important differences between Blade Runner and many science fiction movie universes is that it takes place on Earth. The story of Blade Runner is far more introspective than other films in its genre. While it’s tempting to expand the universe and build a world on the immense imagery that’s described at times in the films, a TV adaptation should look to continue exploring the themes and the philosophies that make Blade Runner so beloved, such as its questions on society and class, and the dangerous effects of technology on earth. In Blade Runner, 2019, the Earth has already been severely damaged by pollution and war, with no signs of this letting up in 2049.

Blade Runner is as much a neo-noir detective story as it is a science fiction film, capturing much of film noir with its slow, methodical pacing with confusing narratives and dark atmosphere. The noir genre tends to be pessimistic in nature, with Blade Runner being no exception, gaining a reputation for having a healthy dose of melancholy. These qualities are not typically synonymous with modern, commercial entertainment in science fiction, which often follows the intergalactic adventures of heroic characters. Blade Runner may take a more pessimistic approach, with anti-hero leads and a version of Los Angeles that's covered in fume clouds, but it grounds itself in its exploration of humanity.

Blade Runner 2099 Can Borrow From The Last Of Us


With the date reaching 2099 and Earth continuing downward since the first two films, it’s possible the series could take place in a civilization nearing an apocalyptic situation, or one that’s already experienced it. With the popularity of The Last of Us, Blade Runner could borrow some of the show's tragic elements, focusing on how both humans and replicants have been affected by the world’s climate. In 2049, despite the environment being beyond recovery and natural resources depleted, there are still technological powers on the planet that uphold what remains there. Blade Runner 2099 could answer many questions about the continued downfall.