Harrison Ford‘s role as Rick Deckard in the 1982 film Blade Runner is now iconic, but during the early 1980s, Ford was far from established as a leading man. When filming started in March 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark had yet to be released, and despite his popular portrayal of Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, Ford had not yet demonstrated his ability to anchor a film on his own. As a result, producers and financiers were skeptical about his casting for the noir-inspired detective character in this adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s work.
Initial Casting Preferences and Ridley Scott’s Resolve
Director Ridley Scott faced significant doubt from his financial backers who questioned Ford’s suitability for the lead role. Scott recalled the financiers’ skepticism:
“I remember my financiers saying, ‘Who the f*** is Harrison Ford?’ I said, ‘You’re gonna find out.’ So [he] became my leading man,”
he said in an interview earlier this year. More established stars such as Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood, Peter Falk, Al Pacino, Nick Nolte, and Burt Reynolds were all considered before Scott firmly insisted on Ford.
Convincing the Team with Early Indiana Jones Footage
Producer Michael Deeley explained that support for Ford grew after Steven Spielberg shared early footage from Raiders of the Lost Ark while filming in London. Reflecting on the decision, Deeley said,
“We thought, ‘This guy is a leading man,’”
confirming that the team eventually embraced Ford as their star. This confidence was crucial in securing Ford’s position as the central figure in Blade Runner.
Ford’s Perspective on Blade Runner and Its Initial Reception
Harrison Ford himself found the project appealing due to its unique story and Ridley Scott’s direction. He said,
“I don’t remember anything like Blade Runner up to that point,”
and added,
“The character, the overall story, [Ridley’s] storytelling skills made it an attractive offer.”
Despite the film’s now legendary status, Blade Runner was initially released alongside John Carpenter’s The Thing on June 25, 1982. Both films struggled at the box office and with critics before later gaining cult followings and widespread acclaim.
Legacy and Continued Debate Among Fans
Over the years, Blade Runner has sparked ongoing discussions among fans, particularly regarding which version of the film offers the definitive experience. Ridley Scott prefers the 2007 Final Cut, which is currently available for streaming on the official SYFY app. This enduring debate underscores the film’s lasting impact on science fiction cinema and its significance in Ford’s career.
