Hollywood icon Harrison Ford has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the many versions of the 1982 science fiction classic Blade Runner, revealing his preferred cut of the film. Ford expressed his views amid renewed attention around his body of work, emphasizing his dislike for the version featuring the film’s infamous voice-over narration.
Ford, known for his roles in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, discussed his Blade Runner experience while enjoying acclaim for his current role in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, where he recently earned his first Emmy Award nomination. His extensive career spans more than 40 films, covering numerous genres and including notable science fiction roles. In conversation with Variety, the 83-year-old actor reflected on Blade Runner’s evolving legacy and his personal connection to the character Rick Deckard.
Harrison Ford’s Perspective on Blade Runner’s Voice-Over Narration
Ford’s main criticism centers on the voice-over narration present in some cuts of Blade Runner. When the film’s script was first developed, narration was included, but Ford felt it was incongruent with the detective role he portrayed.
“I like any cut without the voice-over. When we first saw the film in script form, it had a narration. I felt strongly that the narration was not right for the film — I played a detective, and I really talked about the detective part of my job, but I didn’t appear to be doing it. So Ridley, the screenwriter, a producer and I spent three weeks at my dining room table taking the information that was in the voice-overs and making it part of the scene experience.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Despite Ford’s efforts alongside director Ridley Scott and the screenwriter to integrate the voice-over content naturally into scenes, studio executives at Warner Bros. demanded the narration be reinstated following their confusion over the film’s storyline.
“And then at the end of the film, Warner Bros. said, ‘What the hell is going on here? I don’t understand this at all. Explain it.’ And the voice-over came back. I did the voice-over about six times, and nobody was ever happy with it. So I was glad that the film was finally released without it, which I think encourages the audience to be present in the story.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Ford’s preference aligns with Ridley Scott’s vision and that of many fans who believe the film is stronger and more immersive when the audience is left to interpret the story without added narration explaining Deckard’s thoughts and motivations.
The Making and Legacy of Blade Runner in Ford’s Career
Blade Runner was filmed at a high point in Ford’s prolific career, coming shortly after Raiders of the Lost Ark and before he returned as Han Solo in Return of the Jedi. Although Blade Runner was not initially a commercial or critical success and was overshadowed by blockbuster hits of the era, it eventually earned a devoted following and critical reappraisal.
Reflecting on his experiences, Ford has stated that despite some difficulties during production, he does not regret taking the role. He also compared his experience on the original film with that of the 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049.
“That was an extraordinary experience. We shot for 50 nights in rain — most times, we were outside. It was sort of miserable to make, but it holds its own. I enjoyed the experience of making the second Blade Runner — to be fair, even more than I did the first one, because it wasn’t raining, and it wasn’t night all the time.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
The sequel’s production challenges, including extensive night shoots and inclement weather, did not dampen Ford’s enjoyment, and he regarded the second film’s atmosphere and shooting conditions more favorably than the original despite its tougher shooting environment.
Current Projects and Continuing Influence
Ford is currently visible on television screens through his work on Shrinking, playing Dr. Paul Rhoades, and appears in the Yellowstone universe as Jacob Dutton in the prequel series 1923. His film appearances continue as well, with his latest role in the superhero movie Captain America: Brave New World. Shrinking has wrapped up production on its third season, signaling that Ford remains an active and significant figure in contemporary entertainment.
His openness about the film versions of Blade Runner sheds light on the complexities of filmmaking and studio influence, and his preference for the version without voice-over underscores a desire for storytelling that respects viewer engagement and interpretation. This stance contributes to ongoing conversations about the film’s legacy and the artistic intentions behind its various cuts.
As Blade Runner continues to be celebrated decades after its release, Ford’s reflections emphasize the film’s enduring impact on science fiction cinema and his own career. His comments offer insight into the creative decisions that shaped the iconic work and serve as a reminder of the challenges artists may face balancing vision with commercial pressures.
