Blade Runner anime series coming to Adult Swim

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

I don't know about you, but I dug the hell out of BLADE RUNNER 2049. In fact, I've often called the film as good as, if not better than the original Ridley Scott masterpiece. High praise, I'm aware. But all the same, you can imagine that I'm excited as the next fan about today's news, where we've learned that Alcon Television Group has partnered with Adult Swim and Crunchyroll to bring us a new anime series inspired by BLADE RUNNER.

The new series will be called BLADE RUNNER – BLACK LOTUS and will feature thirteen 30-minute episodes. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but producers have confirmed the story will "take place in 2032 and will include some familiar characters from the BLADE RUNNER universe."

Jason DeMarco, svp/creative director of Adult Swim:

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:

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.

The new series will be produced by animation studio Sola Digital Arts with Shinji Aramaki (Appleseed) and Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) directing all episodes of the first season. Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) is a creative producer. 

Alcon's Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Laura Lancaster, Al-Francis Cuenca, and Sola Digital Art's Joseph Chou will executive produce the project. Alcon exec Ben Roberts will serve as co-executive producer. Production IG's Mitsuhisa Ishikawa is participating as production advisor.

States Kosove and Johnson: 

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. We are excited to continue exploring that world via this anime series.

Lancaster added:

We are thrilled to have Shinji Aramaki, Kenji Kamiyama and Shinichiro Watanabe as our creative partners and look forward to the exciting journey ahead.

Adult Swim will have the worldwide rights (excluding Asia) to distribute the English dubbed versions of the series and will air the episodes on the anime programming block Toonami. Crunchyroll will handle worldwide streaming. We'll let you know when we hear more on BLADE RUNNER – BLACK LOTUS but in the meantime, make sure to hit us up and let us know what you think of this new series in the comments below!