Prime Video’s upcoming cyberpunk series in 2026 could be a big hit, especially if it builds on the momentum of exciting sci-fi like the 2025 show Alien: Earth. With new anime, live-action series, and the Cyberpunk 2077 expansion all coming out, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of cyberpunk.
Two of the most talked-about upcoming projects are Prime Videoās Blade Runner 2099 and Apple TVās adaptation of William Gibsonās Neuromancer. While these shows will likely compete with each other, their simultaneous release is ideal. Both the original Blade Runner film and the Neuromancer novel were hugely influential and helped define the cyberpunk genre.
Both of these projects come with a lot of history to live up to. Blade Runner, especially, has grown into a huge franchise, which creates high expectations for Blade Runner 2099. To truly succeed as a TV series, the new show should take a page from a recent and compelling sci-fi approach, similar to what was done in season one of Alien: Earth.
Blade Runner 2099 Needs To Be A Standalone TV Show Like Alien: Earth
The Blade Runner series includes a lot of content ā two movies, several short films, comics, and even an anime. It can be overwhelming trying to follow everything, a problem I call āMCU fatigue.ā But Blade Runner 2099 has a chance to stand out by embracing a popular trend in science fiction.
Instead of assuming viewers are already familiar with the 43-year history of Blade Runner, the new series Blade Runner 2099 could be self-contained, like Alien: Earth. Alien: Earth tells a story that fits within the existing Alien universe, but you donāt need to have watched any previous movies or shows to understand it.
Starting with Blade Runner 2099 would be a smart move. It would allow new, younger fans who havenāt experienced the original films or comics to easily dive into the dark, futuristic world of Blade Runner without feeling lost. And if they like Blade Runner 2099, it might encourage them to explore the earlier stories in the franchise.
Blade Runner Movies Can Enhance The Viewing Experience, But Shouldnāt Be Required
As a big fan of Blade Runner, I’ve noticed a lot of debate about whether Blade Runner 2049 really works as a standalone film. While you can watch it without seeing the original Blade Runner or the short films, I think you’d miss a lot. The sequel definitely builds on the first movie, and there are references and callbacks that just won’t land if you’re coming to it fresh. So, technically it’s standalone, but thematically itās deeply connected, in my opinion.
Instead of relying heavily on the original film, Blade Runner 2099 should clearly explain its own story and introduce its new characters without assuming prior knowledge. While connections to the previous movie are fine, they shouldnāt be essential to understanding whatās happening ā think of them as added details, not the main focus.
As a huge fan of Blade Runner, I was really pleased to see a nod to Harrison Ford’s Deckard ā and even a confirmation of a long-held theory! ā without making him the central figure. The show definitely benefits from the incredible world the movies created, but I think even someone who hasn’t seen the originals should be able to follow the story in Blade Runner 2099 without feeling lost. It’s about building on that legacy, not requiring prior knowledge.
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2025-12-31 01:58