Sony Pictures to distribute 'Blade Runner' sequel internationally

Sony Pictures Releasing International will distribute Alcon Entertainment's follow-up to Ridley Scott's 1982 film "Blade Runner" in all overseas territories in all media.

Warner Bros. Pictures will distribute the film in North America and Canada through its output agreement with Alcon, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.

Denis Villeneuve is directing the film starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford who is reprising his role as Rick Deckard. Hampton Fancher, co-writer of the original film, and Michael Green have written the original screenplay based on an idea by Fancher and Ridley Scott. The story takes place several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 original.

Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary franchise rights to "Blade Runner" in 2011 from the late producer Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin to produce prequels and sequels to the iconic science-fiction thriller.

Cynthia will produce along with Johnson and Kosove. Bud will receive producer credit.

Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEOs of Thunderbird Films, and Ridley Scott will serve as executive producers.

"We are excited to work with Tom Rothman, Michael Lynton and then entire Sony team on this very special project as well as maintaining our important and long-standing relationship with our domestic partner Warner Bros. Pictures," Kosove and Johnson said in a joint statement.

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July 2016.

Sony Pictures chairman Tom Rothman said: "At Sony, we have made a strong commitment to the international marketplace. We know of few projects with greater international potential than the long dreamed of sequel to 'Blade Runner', especially given the all-star creative team Andrew and Broderick have assembled."

"We are deeply grateful to everyone at Alcon, Denis and Ridley for entrusting us with such a gift. Working on a 'Blade Runner' film also fulfills a long-time personal ambition, as I deeply love and admire the original."