Blade Runner sequels/prequels in the works; Warner Brothers scoops up film rights

Alcon Entertainment, a production arm of Warner Brothers, has snatched up the rights to produce prequels and sequels to Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi gem, Blade Runner.  The deal would basically encompass all forms of broadcast media(film, TV, etc.), but what it very specifically does not allow is the remaking of the original.

A friend of author Philip K. Dick wrote three official, authorized sequels that continue the Blade Runner story. Whether or not these novels will be the basis for any future films is unknown at this point. A number of attempts to produce a sequel to the film have been made, notably by Scott himself. All have pretty much fallen by the wayside, but obviously this sets in motion a more serious shot at expanding the Blade Runner universe.