Jóhann Jóhansson On “Dream Project” Of Scoring Blade Runner Sequel

Composer Jóhann Jóhansson made the news this week when it was announced that he’ll be scoring the Blade Runner sequel, directed by long-time collaborator Denis Villeneuve.

We’ve an in-depth interview coming up soon with Jóhann about both his film scores and his solo work. Here’s a preview of what he had to say.

“It’s a much loved film, and a much-loved score. It’s something that has to be approached with a lot of care. I saw Blade Runner when it came out in 1982, at Austurbærbíó, when I was 13 or 14. I remember it vividly. It was the version with the narration and the happy ending. I loved it from the beginning. I was someone who’d delved deeply into Phillip K. Dick, so someone filming that novel was a huge deal for me. They managed to create something really new and original—that’s based on Dick’s work but creates it’s own world.”

“Vangelis has been a big influence on me. It’s not something I’d quote as an influence in my work over the last 20 years or so, but it’s certainly there as a very vivid early influence. It’s a world I feel very comfortable entering. It’s not a strange world to me. Everything in that film and everything connected to it has informed my life.”

“We’re aware that we’re handling a delicate, precious object, and care must be taken. It’s one of those dream projects—it’s a very exciting time.”