Denis Villeneuve scored something of a pyrrhic victory when he directed 2017’s gargantuan sci-fi extravaganza Blade Runner 2049. The film was acclaimed by critics and fans alike, but its blockbuster production budget saw it struggle to recoup costs at the box office.

I hope that hasn’t weighed on Denis’ mind too heavily, though, as 2049 was an overwhelming artistic triumph. And while those financials may have put to bed the prospect of an immediate Blade Runner threequel, the director remains invested in its world, as he discussed in a new interview with Empire.

“It’s such an inspiring place, the Blade Runner world. The problem I have is the word ‘sequel’. I think cinema needs original stories. But if you ask me if I’d like to revisit this universe in a different way, I can say yes. It would need to be a project on its own. Something disconnected from both other movies.”

What do you think? Let us know and don’t forget to subscribe to The Nerds Take 2 YouTube channel!