'Blade Runner' franchise in the works?

Blade Runner could become a major franchise, according to Warner Bros.

The studio's Alcon Entertainment division has acquired the film and television rights to the dystopian sci-fi classic.

In a statement, co-founders and chief executives Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove said: "We recognise the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce.

"We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only."

However, the studio will not be allowed to remake the Ridley Scott original, which stars Harrison Ford as the world-weary replicant-hunting 'blade runner'.