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Blade Runner: Black Lotus is the highly anticipated Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Original that is being produced by Alcon Entertainment. Fans got the chance to learn more about the series along with get a first look during a special panel at Virtual Crunchyroll Expo 2021.

The Making of Blade Runner: Black Lotus was hosted by Sarah Victor (Head of Development at Crunchyroll) while featuring Shinji Aramaki and Kenji Kamiyama. The panel presented a first look along with the opening sequence and some work. At the same time, the guests shared details of creating the show and how it fits into the Blade Runner universe.

To have an idea of what to expect, check out the opening sequence:

The plot is set in Los Angeles many years after the Black Out (as depicted in Black Out 2022). The story will follow Elle after she awakes with no memories and a set of deadly skills. The only clues about her past are a tattoo of a black lotus. To learn the truth, she begins to seek those who might be connected to her past. However, her actions get the attention of a sinister group who want to silence her.

For those unfamiliar, the Blade Runner series is a science fiction neo-noir based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. The first film follows LAPD Det. Rick Deckard who is tasked with “retiring” a group of rogue replicates. Blade Runner 2049 follows Officer K who makes a shocking discovery that could threaten the uneasy co-exists between humans and replicates.

During the panel; Shinji Aramaki and Kenji Kamiyama shared how to worked to bring the story to life. Some of the key take away were the background on creating the characters and giving them a purpose along with bring the world to life while also staying true to what has made it unique.

Fans could expect to have Blade Runner: Black Lotus premier on Toonami and Crunchyroll sometime in late 2021.

The Making of Blade Runner: Black Lotus is one of many panels that was presented during Virtual Crunchyroll Expo 2021. The digital event took place from August 5th to August 7th.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.