'Blade Runner' Sequel Gets New Title, Release Date

Warner Bros will be teaming up with Alcon Entertainment to push through with the highly anticipated "Blade Runner" sequel, and a new press release from the outfit had revealed its official title and release date.

Titled "Blade Runner 2049," much of the story's details and plot are still left in wraps, but it has been confirmed that Denis Villenueve (Sicario, Prisoners, Arrival) will be taking the reins from Ridley Scott as director, with the original film's protagonist Harrison Ford slated for a return as Rick Deckard, alongside newcomer Ryan Gosling. Rounding up the cast are Dave Bautista (Guardians of The Galaxy), Robin Wright (House of Cards), and Jared Leto (Suicide Squad, Dallas Buyer's Club).

In addition, Alcon will be tapping the virtual reality company Occulus to develop promotional content for the project. Part of the plans include setting up VR content and applications inspired by "Blade Runner," all in preparation for the sequel.

Released in 1982, the first "Blade Runner" film depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in which genetically engineered replicants, which are visually indistinguishable from adult humans, are manufactured by the powerful Tyrell Corporation. The use of replicants on Earth is banned and they are exclusively utilized for dangerous or menial work on off-world colonies. Replicants who defy the ban and return to Earth are hunted down and killed ("retired") by special police operatives known as "Blade Runners". The plot focuses on a group of recently escaped replicants hiding in L.A. and the burnt-out expert Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who reluctantly agrees to take on one more assignment to hunt them down.

"Blade Runner 2049" is slated to be released globally in October 6, 2017.