Blade Runner 2: Release date for sequel to sci-fi classic moved to 2017

The film sees Harrison Ford's return to his iconic role as Rick Deckard, alongside Ryan Gosling, Dave Bautista, and Robin Wright

Looks like Warner Bros. have reinstated a little faith in their much-debated Blade Runner sequel.

The film previously had been slated for a January 2018 release; a sort of cinematic tundra in the cinematic calendar, settled after the hysteria over Christmas blockbusters and Oscar contenders has died down. A time when studios will quietly release the projects they've lost confidence in, the low-grade actioners and thrillers that either star Nicolas Cage, or wanted to star Nicolas Cage.

But now, Denis Villeneuve's sequel to Ridley Scott's classic 1982 sci-fi has been bumped up to a far more prime 6 October 2017 release (via Slashfilm); a far sweeter spot for Harrison Ford's return to his iconic role as Rick Deckard, alongside Ryan Gosling, Dave Bautista, and Robin Wright.

It's occupying the slot recently held by Warner Bros.' Andy Serkis-directed The Jungle Book: Origins; that film's now been delayed, and it wouldn't be an entirely outlandish guess to assume that's due to the resounding success of Disney's own version of The Jungle Book.

Though there's little detail on how the sequel will continue the original's narrative, Ridley Scott recently described in depth his plans for the opening scene; which sees Ford's Deckard seemingly moved to the quiet of the countryside.