To fill the gap between the events of Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, Warner Bros. is releasing a trilogy of short films that serve as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s hotly-anticipated Fall release. Set in the year 2036, the first of those shorts has just been released and it gives us a look at the sinister rise of Jared Leto’s character, Niander Wallace, and his new breed of replicants.
The 5-minute short isn’t directed by Villeneuve himself, instead, the Canadian director chose Morgan‘s Luke Scott to helm the scene. That high level of talent continues front of the camera, with Benedict Wong and Leto both impressing with their performances.
As for the scene itself, it sees Leto’s Wallace appealing to try and get the prohibition of replicants repealed. When his first arguments fail, he demonstrates a level of control over his creations that goes well beyond being just a little creepy. Needless to say, it’s not a successful demonstration and it gives us a chance to see how Wallace’s state of mind might evolve to the ‘twisted villain’ level that we have seen in 2049‘s trailers.
If the actual movie is half good as good as this short, we’re in for a hell of a ride.
