Alcon Entertainment has announced that the sequel to Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic "Blade Runner" from 1982 will arrive on Jan. 12, 2018, which is Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Ryan Gosling will star alongside Harrison Ford, who is reprising his role as Rick Deckard. Denis Villeneuve ("Sicario") will direct.

Hampton Fancher, who co-wrote the original film, penned the script with Michael Green based on a story by Fancher and Scott. The movie will return decades after the events of "Blade Runner."

Principal photography is set to begin in July 2016. Villeneuve is bringing back multi-Oscar nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins ("Sicario," "Prisoners") for the film. Ridley Scott will serve as executive producer.

Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, television and ancillary rights to the "Blade Runner" franchise back in 2011 with the intent of producing prequels and sequels to the iconic sci-fi action thriller. This will be the first entry in a planned continuation of the franchise.