Hunter Schafer Says She’s ‘Definitely Nicer to Robots Now’ After Making “Blade Runner 2099”

The highly anticipated series *Blade Runner 2099*, set to launch on Prime Video on 25 November, promises to delve deeply into the complexities of humanity in a world where artificial intelligence challenges the very essence of what it means to be human. The show stars renowned actress Michelle Yeoh alongside Hunter Schafer, both of whom attended the recent San Diego Comic-Con to discuss their roles and the themes that permeate the series.

*Blade Runner 2099* is set in a futuristic Los Angeles and revolves around Olwen, portrayed by Yeoh, a veteran Blade Runner who is facing the end of her life. She teams up with Cora, an enigmatic new recruit played by Schafer. Together, they embark on a quest to unravel a conspiracy that extends back to the city’s foundational transgressions. This narrative provides a ripe backdrop for exploring profound philosophical questions about humanity and empathy in a world where these traits are increasingly questioned.

In a conversation during the Comic-Con panel, Schafer reflected on her transformative experience while taking on the role of Cora. She articulated how the project caused her to rethink her perspective on robots. “If I wasn’t already, I’m definitely nicer to robots now,” Schafer commented, suggesting the franchise operates as an intricate meditation on the duality of empathy—its capacity to be both a strength and a vulnerability depending on context.

Yeoh, aged 63, added that the central themes of love and kindness are crucial to understanding humanity’s essence. She described how her character’s acceptance of her mortality fuels her understanding of what it means to embody humanity. “She is single-mindedly focused on what she wants to do. Throughout the series, she discovers that it’s not just about being human, but what it takes to be human at the end of the day,” Yeoh elaborated.

Throughout the Comic-Con session, the camaraderie developed between Schafer and Yeoh was evident. The young star praised Yeoh as “one of the literal best,” calling working alongside her an unparalleled honour. Their bond extended beyond their on-screen partnership; Yeoh expressed concern for Schafer’s well-being during filming, highlighting the actress’s dedication to performing her stunts. “She literally dove into her role… I was almost trying to hold her back,” she said, emphasising the lengths Schafer went to in order to embody her character authentically.

Yeoh shared a humorous account of how she gifted Schafer a protective helmet after the latter experienced a concussion during production. “I had to protect my baby,” Yeoh quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. This light-hearted anecdote contrasted against the show’s heavy themes, showcasing the supportive atmosphere created on set.

The forthcoming series also boasts a talented ensemble cast featuring Dimitri Abold and Lewis Gribben, along with guest appearances from actors such as Katelyn Rose Downey, Daniel Rigby, and Amy Lennox. *Blade Runner 2099* promises to blend action with introspective storytelling, underscoring the complexities of relationships in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

As anticipation builds towards the series premiere, showrunner Silka Luisa encapsulated the essence of *Blade Runner 2099*, stating that it strives to examine what it means to be human when humanity itself feels diminished. The narrative invites viewers to reflect on their relationships with both themselves and the evolving technology around them, posing critical questions about the future of human interactions.

With its thought-provoking themes combined with strong performances from a talented cast, *Blade Runner 2099* is poised to engage audiences when it debuts on 25 November, offering a profound exploration of identity in an era of increasing uncertainty about what it means to be truly human.