‘Blade Runner 2049’ Gains Momentum as Rare Reboot That Works
- Fedex’s Smith, mining magnate Giustra among film’s backers
- Success would lift two studios, Warner Bros. and Sony
Warner Bros. and Sony Pin Hopes on 'Blade Runner'
Hollywood’s practice of mining classic films for remakes and sequels has led to several disasters, from “Ben-Hur” to “Ghostbusters.” But a new “Blade Runner” film has a shot at paying off for the team of studios and financiers who helped will it into existence.
“Blade Runner 2049,” opening this weekend, continues the dystopian sci-fi story of Harrison Ford’s Los Angeles cop, Rick Deckard, following up on the 1982 film directed by Ridley Scott. The sequel takes a big risk by revisiting a cult classic that’s revered as a masterpiece. It’s distributed by Warner Bros. and Sony Corp., which co-financed the project along with the film companies of FedEx Corp. founder Fred Smith and mining magnate Frank Giustra.