Oscar Nominee Barkhad Abdi Joins Blade Runner 2 Cast

Captain Phillips actor Barkhad Abdi who received an Academy Award nomination for the role has joined the cast of the upcoming Blade Runner sequel alongside returning star Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling and Robin Wright. The Hollywood Reporter reports Abdi is the latest actor to sign onto Alcon Entertainment’s Blade Runner sequel, also starring WWE champ Dave Bautista. Abdi will begin filming the Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures production, which is currently unnamed, in July.

WWE wrestler-turned-actor Bautista was excited to be cast in the movie and revealed it was a dream role for him. He revealed the news on his Twitter account, posting: "Hey guys, Dave Bautista here, and as speculated I am proud and honoured to announce that I am joining the cast of new 'Blade Runner', 'Blade Runner 2', directed by the amazing Denis Villeneuve. I'm very excited about this project and very grateful that I was able to bring the news to you myself. Couldn't be more proud. Another dream come true, anyway you heard it here first. 'Blade Runner 2'. Peace."

The sequel is set several decades after the 1982 original, with Ford reprising his role as Rick Deckard. The film is written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, Ridley Scott and Bill Carraro will serve as executive producers. Blade Runner 2 is set to release on October 6, 2017.

abcnews.com