There are very few movies in the history of science fiction that are as iconic and influential asRidley Scott’s 1982 masterpieceBlade Runner, based on the novelDo Androids Dream Electric SheepbyPhilip K. Dick. Even though the movie wasn’t a massive hit at the time, it has since found a massive audience. So much so that a sequel is currently being filmed bySicariodirectorDenis Villeneuve, who has finally revealed some details on the upcoming and highly anticipatedBlade Runner 2.

The director recently spoke withEntertainment Weeklyabout the movie, which is currently under production. During the course of the interview, he revealed that he has seen the original movie “a thousand times,” and that it was the movie that made him want to become a director in the first place. Here is what he had to say.

“I remember the opening sequence perfectly…That note of music; seeing Los Angeles in 2019; that smog; that darkness. It’s really the movie that gave birth to my desire to become a director.”

BecauseBlade Runnerwas so important to him,Villeneuvewas a bit reluctant to take on the job when it was first offered to him. But originalBlade RunnerscreenwriterHampton Fancher, who also co-wrote the sequel withMichael Green, was able to convinceVilleneuveto take the job. Here is howVilleneuvetells it.

“He told me that Blade Runner was a dream. We just have to dream again and not worry too much about logic. That removed so much pressure and gave me the key to move forward.”

Up to this point, we have known next to nothing about the long awaitedBlade Runner sequel, but the director also gave a bit of a sense of what the movie will be. He did confirm that it will be taking place several decades after the events of the original movie and also said that “the climate has gone berserk - the ocean, the rain, the snow is all toxic.” So it seems like extreme climate change is going to be a major theme of the movie, based on his statements.

Not only did EW get to talk toVilleneuveabout the movie, but they also revealed two brand new pieces of stunning concept art that give us a glimpse into the movie’s future Los Angeles setting. The first image features a massive, sprawling overhead shot of the city, which is very much reminiscent of what we saw inRidley Scott’s originalBlade Runner, but a little bit more sleek andupdated. The second image is a bit more of a street level look at this dark world, showcasing a foggy and seedy LA street, with a strange vehicle as the main focus.Villeneuveexplained that the vehicle hovers over the streets and destroys snow, which he joked was a “Canadian wet dream.”

Harrison Fordis returning to reprise his role as Rick Deckard from the originalBlade Runner. He will be joined byRyan Gosling, who is taking over duties as the lead in the movie as well asRobin Wright,Dave Bautista,Mackenzie Davis,Ana De ArmasandBarkhad Abdi. There are few movies as precious to fans asBlade Runner, andVilleneuveseems to understand that, stating that “failure is not an option.” So that should hopefully give fans some reassurance. TheBlade Runnersequel is set for release on August 12, 2025. Be sure to check out the brand new concept art for the movie below.