When Warner Brothers first announced the sequel to one of the greatest, I’ll admit I was skeptical about how it would turn out. It didn’t help that Jared Leto was cast in it, as his recent foray into the world of superheroes as The Joker was basically as huge a disaster as it could have foreseeably been. Still, the new trailer for Blade Runner 2049 provides a little bit of hope for the wary:
In the trailer, we see LAPD officer K, played by Ryan Gosling, poking around and looking to ask questions about replicants, specifically about Decker, who is played by Harrison Ford. Meanwhile, Jared Leto is manufacturing replicants, though if it is for devious ends it is unclear. In terms of story, there’s not much divulged in the trailer itself other than K searching for answers. There is also the hint of a twist, some sort of secret that involves K and his story or perhaps something about the replicants that threatens the foundations of society. We also see Dave Bautista and Ana de Armas, though their characters and their purpose remain a secret. Robin Wright also makes an appearance as K’s colleague or potential higher up, taking about maintaining order in the world.
The aesthetic continues to please, as it still blends the high-tech neon glow of everything and the dark shadows that envelope many spaces. We get a much better look at the world as it exists 30 years after the first film, which large and imposing while feeling fake and superficial. There was also some limited action in the trailer, hopefully meaning that it will be as subdued and thoughtful as it was in the first film. Still, nothing stands out about it, and you have to wonder if that means it’ll while up a merely mediocre attempt to replicate greatness.
Blade Runner 2049 will premiere in theaters on October 6, 2017.
