Ridley Scott’s Raised By Wolves Should’ve Been The Next Blade Runner

A forgotten Ridley Scott masterpiece seemingly had the potential to become the next Blade Runner. Unfortunately, before it could reach its true potential, many factors led to its eventual downfall and cancellation. Five years after its release, it is still hard not to think about how it could have been a genre-defining classic and another addition to Ridley Scott’s long line of brilliant work in sci-fi.

In recent years, Ridley Scott has earned the reputation of being a more hit-or-miss filmmaker. While some of his modern flicks perform well both critically and commercially, others struggle to leave a mark, especially when they are compared to his best creations. However, long before this inconsistency became part of his legacy, Scott had cemented his legacy as one of cinema’s most visionary directors.

By delivering incredible movies like Alien and Blade Runner, the director rose in the ranks to become one of the most influential filmmakers in sci-fi. Another show, which had Ridley Scott as one of its directors and producers, was on the right path towards matching Blade Runner‘s legacy. However, things just did not fall into place for the acclaimed series.

Ridley Scott’s Raised By Wolves Had The Potential To Become A Sci-Fi Classic

The Show Dared To Be Different From Most Modern Sci-Fi Offerings

While most sci-fi shows play it safe and riff on some of the most popular tropes in the genre, Raised by Wolves defied the norm by adopting a bizarre storyline. The show’s visuals and art direction alone were striking enough to draw in many viewers and critics who wished to watch something new.

However, what helped it garner a more cult-like following was its exploration of the human condition, religion, parenting, evolution, and the intrinsic desire to survive. Unlike many mainstream sci-fi shows that rely on nostalgia and portray familiar settings, Raised by Wolves did not shy away from delivering haunting and novel imagery.

Critics, too, approved of the series, allowing it to earn a Rotten Tomatoes score of 75% and 86% in seasons 1 and 2, respectively. Many still remember Raised by Wolves as one of the most groundbreaking modern additions to the sci-fi genre. Unfortunately, the series was never allowed to reach the full potential of its ideas and storytelling.

What Was Raised By Wolves Based On? Inspirations And Themes Explained

The Show Draws From Many Religious Texts

On the surface, Raised by Wolves is about two androids who raise human children on an alien planet, Kepler-22b, after Earth is destroyed. With this basic premise, the show explores everything from the nature of parenting and its impact on a younger generation to the conflict between religious devotion and science.

The show is also critical of unchecked technological development and the corrupting nature of power. Although Raised of Wolves is not based on a specific literary work, it seems to draw inspiration from many religious texts. For instance, it seems to adopt many ideas from the mysterious Roman Empire religion of Mithraism.

Many viewers have also noticed how Raised by Wolves draws many Garden of Eden parallels and even uses the Book of Enoch as a major reference point for many of its story beats.

Raised By Wolves Was Sadly Canceled After 2 Seasons And Lost Its Streaming Home

It Is Not Available For Streaming Anywhere In The US

Unfortunately, despite earning immense acclaim and even being compared to Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Blade Runner, Raised by Wolves was canceled after season 2. The show was originally available for streaming on HBO Max, but it has also lost its streaming home after cancellation.

As of now, Raised by Wolves is not available for streaming anywhere in the US. Many viewers still hope that the Ridley Scott series will someday get a revival and have even campaigned to support its return. For now, however, its return seems unlikely.