The upcoming Blade Runner 2099 television series will no longer be filming in Belfast, following delays caused by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Amazon’s Blade Runner spin-off series, Blade Runner 2099, will no longer be filming in Belfast Harbour Studios in Northern Ireland. Prepping on the series had just begun, when production was delayed by the WGA strike and later ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
The project was announced last year, with Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Gladiator) set to executive produce. The production received £4.1m in funding from Northern Ireland Screen, which Amazon will now return.
Northern Ireland Screen Chief Executive Richard Williams said in a statement that the organisation was "extremely disappointed" by the decision not to film in Belfast.
"We are conscious that these difficult decisions do happen in the screen industry, particularly with the most expensive projects, which carry the greatest expectations," he continued.
"This obviously leaves a gap in Northern Ireland's production schedule and Northern Ireland Screen will do everything it can to plug that gap as quickly as possible, mindful that many freelance crew and supply chain companies were relying on this project for work."
In recent years, Belfast has been home to large-scale international productions, such as the filming of Game of Thrones in Titanic Studios. Other facilities in the area include Belfast Harbour Studios and Loop Studios. A new virtual production facility called Studio Ulster, based in Giant’s Park is set to open its doors next year.
