Amazon's next big budget sci-fi series has found its main star

From Star Trek: Discovery to Blade Runner 2099

Star Trek: Discovery (Michelle Yeoh)
(Image credit: CBS)
Quick Summary

Michelle Yeoh has taken a lead role in the forthcoming Blade Runner 2099 TV series to be screened by Amazon Prime Video.

The movie spinoff has recently started in production after delays caused by the writers strike.

Even though Fallout has proved to be a huge success, having broken numerous viewing records for Prime Video, Amazon is not resting on its laurels. It already has another huge sci-fi series up its sleeve, and this one could turn out to be even more popular.

Blade Runner 2099 was first announced at the end of 2021, with Amazon picking up the Ridley Scott produced TV sequel the following year. Production started last month (April) and it has now been revealed that the superb Michelle Yeoh will play a lead role.

Yeoh is no stranger to science fiction, having starred in multiple series of Star Trek: Discovery as Philippa Georgiou. She is also set to reprise the role in a spinoff movie, Star Trek: Section 31 for the Paramount+ streaming service.

Then, of course, she won an Oscar for her lead role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. So she'll have no trouble stepping into the shoes of suspected replicant Olwen in the TV follow-up to Blade Runner 2049, as reported by Variety.

Little else is really known about the show so far, save for the fact that it is set 50 years after the events in the last movie.

Scott previously announced that a pilot had been written and the show's bible (for the production to follow) existed. However, it was also recently revealed that filming will start in Prague soon.

Amazon Prime Video will be the exclusive home for Blade Runner 2099 when it finally hits our screens. Considering how much effects work will be needed, it could be a fair while before it's ready, however.

How much is Amazon Prime Video?

Previously available as a standalone service, a Prime Video is now only possible through main Amazon Prime membership.

This costs £8.99 / $14.99 per month or £95 / $139 for an entire year. It also includes free next-day deliveries, Prime Gaming, Prime Reading, and a whole host of other benefits.

However, while you get access to the vast library of shows and films available on Prime Video, they are ad-supported unless you pay an extra £2.99 / $2.99.

You also need to pay extra for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos streaming.

Rik Henderson
News Editor

Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.

Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.