From Mountains to Origami: How Blade Runner’s Alternate Ending Changed Its Legacy and Left One of the Greatest Reflections in Science Fiction
They mark every step of the intrigue and revelation of “Blade Runner,” a cinematic masterpiece that has captured the public imagination for decades. But did you know that the original ending hides an amazing cinematic secret? This article was published in It shows the curtain behind the final scene of the 1982 “Blade Runner” theatrical cut.
A Difference of Endings: A Tale of Two Versions
Directed by Ridley Scott, “Blade Runner” began as a sci-fi cinematic piece, but its path was not without controversy. The original ending, installed by the studio, opted for a more conventional and “happy” conclusion, away from the film’s somber and reflective tone. On the contrary, the ending of the unicorn, in the director’s cut and the final cut, retains ambiguity and fits better with the atmosphere of the film.
In an interview with Deadline, Ridley Scott explained the twist of fate that led to the inclusion of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” into “Blade Runner.” After the negative reaction to the first ending, the producers asked to change to optimistic. Scott turned to Kubrick, who provided him with material from his horror films to construct this new ending. Thus, the theatrical finale shows Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) and Rachael (Sean Young) fleeing to an unknown fate in the mountains. Reproducible
The End of the Unicorn: A More Appropriate Conclusion
By introducing the unicorn origami, Scott subtly suggests that Deckard might be his successor without actually confirming it. This ending leaves open the question of Deckard and Rachael’s future, allowing the viewer to freely interpret their fate.
The question of the future of Deckard and Rachael is presented 35 years later in the “Blade Runner 2049” series. Here the nature of their existence and the world they live in is explored, expanding the universe of “Blade Runner” and philosophical questions.
The original ending of “Blade Runner” was impressive as a piece of film history, but it didn’t fit the tone and themes of the film. On the other hand, Unicorn’s ending reinforces the story’s central message and continues to generate debate and analysis among fans and critics alike.
Beyond the world of Blade Runner
“Blade Runner” has become a source of inspiration in more than a movie, in the wider science fiction cinematic universe. The impact goes beyond the narrative and visual beauty; It laid the foundation for many subsequent works. The influence can be seen in films like “The Matrix”, where the dystopian universe and cyberpunk aesthetic are reminiscent of the dark and rainy streets of Los Angeles depicted in 2019’s “Blade Runner”.
Another film particularly influenced by “Blade Runner” is “Ghost in the Shell,” both in its animated version and live-action adaptation. Here, you’ll see an exploration of identity and consciousness in a world where the lines between man and machine are blurred, a central theme in “Blade Runner.”
In “Ex Machina”, the influence of “Blade Runner” on the treatment of androids and the ethics of their existence, questioning the nature of humanity and artificial intelligence, can be seen how “Blade Runner” raises questions about life and death. And what it means to be human.
Even on television, shows like “Westworld” owe a lot to “Blade Runner” about artificial consciousness and the moral implications of its existence. These examples show how “Blade Runner” not only changed the landscape of science fiction cinema, but continues to influence contemporary narratives, challenging creators and audiences alike to explore the boundaries of technology, identity and morality.