Financiers of Blade Runner Reacted to Harrison Ford’s Casting: “Who Is Harrison Ford?”

In a recent interview, acclaimed director Ridley Scott revealed an intriguing fact: the backers of Blade Runner were largely unfamiliar with Harrison Ford, despite his notable role as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise. Ford’s portrayal as the charismatic smuggler began with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope in 1977, followed by Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. By the time filming commenced for Scott’s iconic 1982 sci-fi film, Ford had just wrapped up his work on Raiders of the Lost Ark—yet it had not hit theaters until June 12, 1981, a full month after Blade Runner began shooting.

During a feature on GQ’s YouTube channel, Scott recounted the skepticism he faced from financiers regarding his choice to cast Ford. He noted that they were perplexed by his decision, as Ford was not yet a household name at the time. Scott stood by his instinct to cast Ford, asserting his belief in the actor’s potential. Here’s what he stated:

Harrison Ford was not a star yet. He had just finished flying the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars. I remember my financiers saying, “Who the f*ck is Harrison Ford?” I said, “You’re gonna find out.”So Harry became my leading man.

The Impact of Casting on Blade Runner

Misconceptions That Emerged Before the Film’s Release

Despite its current status as a cult classic, Blade Runner sparked intense debate among critics and audiences alike upon its initial release, with many viewing it as one of Scott’s most underappreciated works. Ford’s character, Rick Deckard, is a former police officer turned “blade runner,”tasked with tracking down replicants—androids that mimic human beings. The intricate portrayal of Deckard not only marked a high point in Ford’s career but also initially left him with mixed feelings about the film’s production, particularly regarding creative disagreements with Scott and the voice-over decisions. However, similar to the evolving perspectives of audiences, Ford later recognized the film’s groundbreaking nature and reprised his role in Blade Runner 2049, admitting that the original film was indeed “ahead of its time.”This skepticism from the financiers highlights a broader lack of comprehension surrounding Scott’s unique vision.

Our Perspective on Ford’s Casting in Blade Runner

Scott’s Vision Elevated Blade Runner to Cult Status

Deckard looking at a screen in Blade Runner

Each viewing of Blade Runner unveils its sophisticated narrative layers, further enhancing its appeal. Unlike action-oriented figures such as Han Solo or Indiana Jones, Deckard embodies emotional complexity—a choice that made the role a landmark in Ford’s career, pursued through Ridley Scott’s distinct directorial lens. This divergence from Ford’s established image raises the question of whether financiers would have challenged Scott’s casting choice had they appreciated Ford’s recognition from Star Wars. While it’s likely they would maintain their reservations, the journey towards acknowledging Scott’s innovative vision took years. Fortunately, the brilliance of Blade Runner has not gone ignored and continues to resonate with audiences today.

Source: GQ

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