Marketing for ‘Blade Runner’ was deemed ‘incredibly problematic’

Ridley Scott is a filmmaker known for his unique approach to storytelling, often delving into abnormal topics that challenge traditional norms. In a recent interview on the Director’s Guild of America’s podcast, Scott revealed that his early films, including “The Duellists,” “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” and “Legend,” faced challenges with marketing and were often misunderstood by both studios and audiences upon release.

Despite the criticisms, Scott remains confident in his work, particularly highlighting the success of the “Alien” franchise as a validation of his vision. He expressed frustration with reviews like Pauline Kael’s critique of “Blade Runner,” which he described as destructive to the film before it even premiered.

The legacy of “Blade Runner” lives on with the 2017 Oscar-winning sequel “Blade Runner 2049,” directed by Denis Villeneuve. The franchise continues to expand with an upcoming Prime Video limited series, “Blade Runner 2099,” with Scott serving as a producer.

Scott remains unfazed by past criticisms and continues to forge his own path in filmmaking. He recalled a studio executive questioning his choice to focus on non-conformist narratives, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his creative vision.

In a surprising turn of events, Scott found inspiration for his latest project, “Gladiator II,” from the series “Normal People.” The performance of actor Paul Mescal in the adaptation led Scott to cast him in the lead role for the sequel.

Throughout his career, Scott has stayed true to his unconventional storytelling style, challenging the notion of what constitutes “normal” in filmmaking. With a strong belief in his work and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Scott continues to create groundbreaking films that resonate with audiences worldwide.



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