Harrison Ford is returning to his iconic role of police officer Rick Deckard in the forthcoming Blade Runner sequel, it has been confirmed.

Denis Villeneuve, who directed Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal in kidnap drama Prisoners, is in talks to direct.

The story takes place several decades after the conclusion of the 1982 film, which was based on Philip K. Dick novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?.

Blade Runner 2 is scheduled to start shooting in the summer of 2016.

The cult 1982 film, directed by Ridley Scott, saw Rick Deckard hunting down genetically engineered lifelike robots, known as replicants, in a futuristic Los Angeles, set in 2019.

The latest installment – reportedly based on an idea from Ridley Scott, who will also produce the new film – has been written by Hampton Fancher, who co-wrote the original screenplay.

“We are honored that Harrison is joining us on this journey,” said producers Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson in a joint statement.

“Hampton and Michael, with Sir Ridley Scott, have crafted a uniquely potent and faithful sequel to one of the most universally celebrated films of all time, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this amazing, creative team.”

It marks the third time Harrison Ford, 72, has returned to an iconic role. In 2008, he returned to the role of Indiana Jones nearly 20 years after the franchise came to a halt in 1989.

Later this year, Harrison Ford will reprise the role of Han Solo in the latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.