The Emmy-nominated 'Euphoria' actor Hunter Schafer is confirmed to have landed a lead role on the highly anticipated Prime Video series alongside Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh.
- Jun 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - "Euphoria" star Hunter Schafer has been confirmed as the lead cast member on the upcoming Prime Video limited series "Blade Runner 2099". Schafer will co-star with Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh on this new installment of the iconic sci-fi franchise, which follows on from "Blade Runner" (1982) and its sequel, "Blade Runner 2049" (2017).
The "Blade Runner" franchise is based on Philip K. Dick's seminal novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?". The original 1982 film, directed by Ridley Scott, initially underperformed at the box office but has since achieved cult status as one of the most influential science fiction films of all time. Despite the much-anticipated return of Harrison Ford in the 2017 sequel, "Blade Runner 2049", the film didn't meet box office expectations, although it further solidified the franchise's legacy in the sci-fi genre.
Brought to life by showrunner Silka Luisa, "Blade Runner 2099" is already generating substantial buzz. However, specific details about the storyline and Schafer's character remain concealed. According to sources, Yeoh will portray Olwen, a replicant nearing the end of her life, while Schafer's role is still under wraps.
Production for "Blade Runner 2099" has faced numerous delays, particularly due to the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes. Initially planned to be shot in Belfast, the show's production has since moved to Prague under the production company Film United.
Hunter Schafer, who gained national attention for her role as Jules on HBO's "Euphoria", is transitioning smoothly to movie roles. She recently portrayed Tigris Snow in "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and has completed filming on several other high-profile projects, such as A24's "Mother Mary" with Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and Neon's horror thriller "Cuckoo".
Schafer's unexpected opportunity to join the "Blade Runner" universe arose from prolonged production delays on "Euphoria" third season. HBO has given the cast permission to pursue other projects until scripts for the new season are finalized, projected to be ready for filming later this year. This delay facilitated Schafer and other "Euphoria" cast members in securing new roles.
"Blade Runner 2099" is executive produced by an impressive roster including Ridley Scott, Silka Luisa, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Ben Roberts, David W. Zucker, Clayton Krueger, Tom Spezialy, Richard Sharkey, Michael Green, Cynthia Yorkin, Frank Giustra and Isa Dick Hackett. Director Jonathan van Tulleken, known for "Shogun", will helm the first two episodes.
While fans eagerly await the series' premiere date, "Blade Runner 2099" promises to deliver a continuation of the visually stunning and philosophically rich universe that has captivated audiences for decades. With Schafer and Yeoh now on board, the series is poised to make a significant impact on screens worldwide.
