Blade Runner Secret Sequel
By
J.R. Waugh
Published Feb 9, 2026, 9:31 PM EST
An experienced Editor representing Canada via Screen Rant's Team Anime, J.R. has been reading manga since the first printing of Shonen Jump in North America. This passion drove him to write about anime, manga, and manhwa since 2022, having recently served as Lead Anime Editor for ComicBook.com.
His favorite moments in media coverage include reviewing the series premieres of Zom 100 and Bleach: TYBW Part 2 back-to-back and briefly meeting Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event in 2023.
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Ridley Scott's Blade Runner was a revelation for sci-fi cinema, laying out the proto-cyberpunk foundations of a whole new subgenre that'd take off, after being popularized by William Gibson. Yet, with even its first film, and the massive 30-year timeskip to Denis Villeneuve's sequel, Blade Runner 2049, there was another sequel, or interquel, connecting the two movies in 2021.
Blade Runner: Black Lotus takes place in 2032, discussing the cataclysmic Blackout of 2022, and the rise of Niander Wallace Jr., the eventual villain of Blade Runner 2049. While the series leaves a lot to be desired story-wise, its incorporation of classic Blade Runner settings, characters like Doc Badger, and replicant lore are compelling cases to check it out.
Blade Runner: Black Lotus Is a Valuable Canon Supplement
Across 13 episodes in which Blade Runner: Black Lotus lays out its protagonist, known as Elle, and her struggles with implanted memories, the series accomplishes plenty despite its flaws. While the plot itself feels rather familiar, an unfortunate quality given its connection to the Blackout and subsequent replicant prohibition, it's a fun series with impressive fight animation and satisfying gore.
While this results in the story feeling constrained, given the particularly major events happen in either of the main movies, there's still plenty to work with. Wallace Jr.'s origins are laid out, with the first glimpses at his motives for creating the Nexus-9 model replicants, all while Elle's emotions are toyed with as she determines whether she's human or replicant.
The story is rather predictable, especially since "replicant wrestles with their identity and fate" is not particularly novel in Blade Runner. It's a well-produced Japanese-American anime series, though, with some impressive English dub voice cast including Jessica Henwick as Elle, Wes Bentley as Wallace Jr., and Brian Cox as Wallace Sr.
Black Lotus' Lack of Availability Is Discouraging
Despite simulcasting on programming blocks like Adult Swim alongside a Crunchyroll release, Blade Runner: Black Lotus is now only available to stream legally on Crunchyroll. This change came in 2022, following the departure of the anime from Adult Swim's streaming options, as confirmed by Jason DeMarco via ANN.
Screen Rant Report: Subscribe and never miss what matters
Dive into the world of movies and TV shows with Screen Rant, your source for news, reviews, and exclusive content. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.This departure meant there was no available way to stream Blade Runner: Black Lotus in its English dub, with audiences only having Japanese and Spanish dubs with subtitles on Crunchyroll. It's a disappointing oversight because, while the anime has its flaws, this lowered accessibility raises the bar of entry who want to see how it bridges the Blade Runner gap.
Blade Runner: Black Lotus
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Animation Action Drama Release Date 2021 - 2022-00-00Cast
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Arisa Shida
Elle
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Jessica Henwick
Elle (English)
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Will Yun Lee
Joseph (English
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Shinshû Fuji
Joseph
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Blade Runner: Black Lotus
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