'Blade Runner 2049' release date, news: Denis Villeneuve talks about the film's high expectations

Most directors would probably crack under the pressure of helming a big budget film with high expectations for the first time. But when it's a film like "Blade Runner 2049," the pressure must be immense. The first "Blade Runner" was one of the most influential science fiction films of all time, so the anticipation for the sequel is definitely off the charts. Director Denis Villeneuve has already helmed several critically acclaimed films like "Sicario" and "Arrival," but "Blade Runner 2049" is an entirely different thing. It's going to be a little tricky.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Villeneuve talked about the high expectations for the film, and he said he's well aware of the risk of directing a high-profile film like "Blade Runner 2049."

"The expectations are for obvious reasons: The first movie was a masterpiece and it's a very risky, challenging project. But I will say that it has been the most rewarding and exciting experience of my life so far and I'm excited. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you guys," she said.

Villeneuve also reiterated that the film was going to be much like the original "Blade Runner 2049." "The first movie was a film noir, quite intense with melancholia and an existential crisis, so we are not far away from the thematics of the first movie, I will say. It's the same genre, the same atmosphere," he stated.

"Blade Runner 2049" will feature the return of Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard. Ryan Gosling also stars as L.A. police officer K, and actors Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Ana de Armas, and Mackenzie Davis will appear as well.

The sequel is set 30 years after the first film and Deckard has been missing for the entire time. However, he will have to resurface after K goes in search of him to ask for his help.

"Blade Runner 2049" is scheduled to premiere on Oct. 6.