David Bowie was originally up for Jared Leto’s role in Blade Runner 2049

We’ve written before about how good an actor David Bowie really was, and how varied his choices were – from heartbreaking dramas like Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence to mind-bending sci-fi like The Prestige and, of course, The Man Who Fell To Earth.
It’s always a shame to think of what an actor or singer might have done, had they had the chance of a few more years – and this one is particularly gutting. According to director Denis Villeneuve, David Bowie was up for a major role in Blade Runner 2049, that of Jared Leto’s character, Neander Wallace.
“Our first thought (for the character) had been David Bowie, who had influenced Blade Runner in many ways. When we learned the sad news, we looked around for someone like that.” Which, inevitably, led them to Jared Leto. Right.
As for Ryan Gosling, however, Villeneuve was clear that the role was written for him “right from the start. He was perfect.”
Like we said, it’s a real shame because there’s no doubt in our mind that Bowie could have brought something truly special to the film.
Blade Runner 2049 hits Irish cinemas on October 6th.
 
Entertainment.ie