Oh wow. So cinematographer Roger Deakins has signed on to shoot Denis Villeneuve's “Blade Runner” sequel. I'm paying attention now, folks.

Seriously, this whole project has been filed under “whatever” for me for the longest time. But then I have a dirty little secret that I suspect is shared by more than a few who just don't want to get into it: I've never agreed with the legions who think Ridley Scott's original film is an indispensable work of modern art. But…not going to get into it. I've mainly just been snoozing at the prospect of revisiting the material because of your standard grade reboot/sequel-itis.

However, when Denis Villeneuve joined up, I got a little excited. This isn't some run-of-the-mill action director sure to lumber his way through the thing. Villeneuve is a pretty intriguing new voice. I didn't love the scripts for “Incendies” or “Prisoners,” but I loved his approach to them as a director. I thought “Enemy” was bold and exciting. And I can't wait to see “Sicario,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last night.

One smart decision Villeneuve has made is keeping Deakins on board. His eye behind the camera makes any project that much better. And knowing he'll be bringing this detailed world to life on screen has me pretty giddy. Though now that I think about it, I hope Jeff Cronenweth's name was at least in the hat. His father, the great Jordan Cronenweth, gave us the amazing imagery of the original after all, and he's a brilliant technician in his own right.

Nevertheless, sign me up.

Deakins, by the way, will be presented with the Pierre Angénieux Excellens in Cinematography Award at Cannes Friday. The “Blade Runner” sequel, meanwhile, begins principal photography next summer.