If you want moreBlade Runnerin your life, you’re in luck: A new animated series based onPhilip K. Dick’s oft-adapted short story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” is in the works, bound for Adult Swim and Crunchyroll. The news broke today via press release.Blade Runner - Black Lotus, a joint production with Alcon Television Group, Adult Swim and Crunchyroll, will take inspiration fromBlade Runner 2049and tell its own unique story over 13 half-hour episodes. And although details on just what that story is remain under wraps, the report is that the story will take place in 2032 and feature familiar characters from theBlade Runneruniverse.
The animation studio in charge ofBlade Runner - Black Lotuswill beSola Digital Arts, the same company behind the movie’s prequel seriesBlade Runner: Black Out 2022and the upcoming Netflix series,Ultraman. FollowingShinji AramakiandKenji Kamiyama’s newGhost in the Shellseries, they will also direct all of the newBlade Runner - Black Lotusepisodes in the premiere season. Creative producerShinichio Watanabe, who previously wrote and directed the animatedBlade Runner 2049prequel, is also on board.
Jason DeMarco, SVP and creative director of Adult Swim on-air said via statement:
“I first saw ‘Blade Runner’ in 1982, at age 11. It has remained one of the defining films of my life. To be able to explore more of this universe, with the incredible talent we have on board, is a dream come true.”
Sae Whan Song, head of business development for Crunchyroll, followed up:
“’Blade Runner’ is a seminal work, and its influence permeates the genre. Adult Swim shares our excitement to bring this new series to fans, and we’re looking forward to building on this franchise together.”
Alcon’sAndrew Kosove,Broderick Johnson,Laura Lancaster,Al-Francis Cuenca, and Sola Digital Art’s Joseph Chouwill executive produce. Alcon’sBen Robertswill serve as co-executive producer. Production IG’sMitsuhisa Ishikawais participating as production adviser.
“The ‘Blade Runner’ universe is an incredibly deep well for story and character with its world and mythology that audiences have been debating and talking about since inception,” said Kosove and Johnson. “We are excited to continue exploring that world via this anime series.”
