Sony Pictures will internationally distribute the sequel to Ridley Scott‘s 1982 iconic film, “Blade Runner”, Alcon Entertainment announced Monday, January 26, according to TheWrap.

Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing in North America and Canada, although Alcon Entertainment acquired the film, TV and ancillary franchise rights in 2011 to produce prequels and sequels.

Denis Villeneuve is directing the sequel, which will also star Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, who will reprise his role as Rick Deckard. Hampton Fancher (co-writer of the original) and Michael Green wrote the original screenplay for the sequel, and the story takes place several decades after the conclusion of the first film.

“At Sony, we have made a strong commitment to the international marketplace,” said chairman of Sony Picture Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, Tom Rothman. “We know of few projects with greater international potential than the long dreamed of sequel to ‘Blade Runner,’ especially given the all-star creative team Andrew and Broderick have assembled. We are deeply grateful to everyone at Alcon, Denis and Ridley for entrusting us with such a gift.”

Cynthia Sikes Yorkin, the wife of late producer Bud Yorkin, will produce along with Alcon’s Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove. Bud Yorkin will receive producer credit as he was the co-executive producer of the 1982 film.

Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers along with Scott. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July.

The original 1982 “Blade Runner” was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction, and in 1993 was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.