Blade Runner 2099 series no longer being filmed in Belfast

The TV series is based on the iconic series of films, which began with 1982's Blade Runner starring Harrison Ford

The major TV series Blade Runner 2099 will no longer be filmed in Northern Ireland, it has been confirmed.

The series, based on the iconic films, was due to be shot in Belfast.

Northern Ireland Screen's Chief Executive Richard Williams said his organisation was "extremely disappointed" at the change.

Mr Williams said it left "a gap in Northern Ireland's production schedule" as many local crews and companies have been relying on the project for work.

To date, just over £1.5m has been spent on preparations to bring the production to Belfast, but BBC News NI understands this money is in the process of being recouped.

'Difficult decisions'

Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, were both critically acclaimed and hugely influential films.

The TV series Blade Runner 2099 had been commissioned by the streaming giant Amazon.

Ridley Scott, who directed the original 1982 Blade Runner film, was listed as the programme's executive producer.

NI Screen announced last year that the series would be filmed on location in Belfast and the project was to be based in Belfast Harbour Studios.

But that has changed and it is unclear exactly why.

in a statement on Thursday, NI Screen's chief executive expressed disappointment that Northern Ireland would no longer host the production.

"We are conscious that these difficult decisions do happen in the screen industry, particularly with the most expensive projects which carry the greatest expectations," Mr Williams said.

"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."

Hollywood strike

Blade Runner told the story of Rick Deckard, a detective whose job was to "retire" human-like robots called replicants.

The 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049, co-starred Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling

Deckard was played by Harrison Ford, who reprised the character in the 2017 sequel, which starred Ryan Gosling as well as Jared Leto and Robin Wright.

Blade Runner 2099 was expected to be a 10-part TV series following on from the events of the films.

Some preparatory work for the series had taken place, but plans to begin filming at Belfast Harbour Studios this year had been delayed.

A strike by Hollywood TV and film writers was one of the factors behind that postponement.

NI Screen had awarded Blade Runner 2099 funding of £4.1m through its screen fund awards programme in 2022-23, but it is understood any money that has been paid by NI Screen will be returned.

Meanwhile construction is continuing on new film studios at the Belfast Harbour site as well as Studio Ulster, a new cutting-edge virtual production studio.

The studio, a partnership between Belfast Harbour, Ulster University and NI Screen, is expected to open in 2024.