Looks like Northern Ireland has lost a major project: 'Blade Runner 2099' is refusing to film at the location, creating a major gap in Northern Ireland Screen's production schedule; Amazon Prime Video will return the money invested
The series commissioned by Amazon Prime Video streaming service 'Blade Runner 2099' appears to have changed its production plans. The major project with Ridley Scott as executive producer is no longer planning to film in Northern Ireland.
Here's What We Know
The series was due to be filmed in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, with Belfast Harbour Studios.
Filming was previously postponed due to a strike of actors and scriptwriters, and has now undergone drastic changes in the form of a change of the main location. Although, at this time, the reason for such drastic and categorical decisions is not known, Northern Ireland Screen CEO Richard Williams expressed his disappointment in a statement:
We are conscious that these difficult decisions do happen in the screen industry, particularly with the most expensive projects which carry the greatest expectations. This obviously leaves a gap in Northern Ireland’s production schedule and Northern Ireland Screen will do everything it can to plug that gap as quickly as possible, mindful that many freelance crew and supply chain companies were relying on this project for work.
According to the BBC, Northern Ireland Screen has given 'Blade Runner 2099' £4.1 million in funding as part of its 2022-2023 screen fund award programme, but it is understood that any money paid to NI Screen will be returned.
Here's What The Movie Is About
The TV series is based on the iconic film series that began with 1982's Blade Runner starring Harrison Ford. It is expected that the project will have 10 episodes, the action of which takes place 50 years after the events shown in the sequel "Blade Runne 2049".
There is information that there were talks with Harrison Ford, about his return to the role of Rick Deckard, whom he played in the original series of films. But there has been no official statement on the actor's agreement or refusal.
When We Can Expect It
There is no information about the release date of "Blade Runner 2099" yet.
Source: Deadline
