Story by Nick Newman on
http://thefilmstage.com/news/scott-z-burns-top-choice-to-script-new-blade-runner/
There are many, many places that a new film set in the Blade Runner universe could go. When you consider the original’s status as a classic and icon of the sci-fi genre, the basic idea of this project is both exciting and nerve-inducing. Having Ridley Scott direct leaves a lot of people with a sense of confidence; this latest rumor could help propel those feelings for some.
Twitch has learned that Alcon Entertainment, Warner Bros., and Scott are intent on getting Contagion writer Scott Z. Burns on board as the scribe, with everyone “in active talks” at the moment. This is a guy that’s quickly becoming one of the more prolific screenwriters in Hollywood, due in part to his Soderbergh collaborations — a pairing that also includes The Informant! and the upcoming The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Unfortunately, everything of Burns‘ that I’ve seen has left me with mixed feelings; he seems like a guy who can devise some great concepts, but needs a director to get them across the finish line. When looking at Scott‘s filmography, it’s evident that he’s worked with some shoddy scripts in the past (G.I. Jane, Hannibal, Robin Hood), and he can sometimes make them work, simply through his talent. Sometimes not.
I don’t want to completely dispel the skills of Burns as a screenwriter, because both The Informant! and Contagion are movies that I like, with great moments to be found in either (to varying degrees). To be completely honest, I’m just concerned about seeing a Blade Runner film that doesn’t live up to what preceded it; many probably have the same worries.
