Gosling and Ford to start filming Blade Runner sequel

Actors Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are set to star in the upcoming Blade Runner movie. Photo / AFP, AP

Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford's Blade Runner sequel will begin filming in July.

Harrison starred in the 1982 original, which depicted a dystopian Los Angeles in which genetically manufactured beings called replicants were used for dangerous work in Earth's colonies in outer space.

Replicants who returned to Earth were hunted down by special police operatives known as Blade Runners, with Harrison playing a burnt-out Blade Runner who takes on one last assignment.

Reprising his role as Rick Deckard, he will be joined by Gosling for the sequel, which is set several decades after the original, according to a press release.

Denis Villeneuve will direct the movie based on a screenplay by the original film's co-writer Hampton Fancher wrote the screenplay and Green Lantern co-writer Michael Green.

Ridley Scott, who directed the original, is on board as an executive producer.

Speaking previously about the script and Harrison's involvement, Ridley said: "It's written and it's damn good. Of course, it involves Harrison, who is a survivor after all these years. So yes, that will happen."

Sony's Tom Rothman said: "At Sony, we have made a strong commitment to the international marketplace. We know of few projects with greater international potential than the long dreamed of sequel to Blade Runner, especially given the all-star creative team Andrew and Broderick have assembled. We are deeply grateful to everyone at Alcon, Denis and Ridley for entrusting us with such a gift. Working on a Blade Runner film also fulfills a long-time personal ambition, as I deeply love and admire the original."

- Bang! Showbiz