When it comes down to it, the making of the Alien franchise is almost as juicy (and bloody) as the movies themselves. Stacked with arguably the greatest group of directors to ever tackle a series (Ridley Scott, James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet), each film has had its own set of substantial production issues ranging from bluffed director walkouts, lawsuits, impossible shots, and, of course, even more director walkouts. In short, it’s been a glorious mess of a (mostly) heralded cinematic universe.
At this point in the story, 2015, we are introduced to brave soul number five: Neill Blomkamp, the writer/director of District 9, Elysium, and most recently, Chappie, who has recently become entangled in a confusing and roundabout way (as is now tradition for the series) to direct the latest installment in the Alien story—at this point roughly being referred to as the fabled Alien 5.
Blomkamp has in some sense been the rumored heir to the Xenomorph throne for months now, but for whatever reason recently seemed to think (or strategically fawned at thinking) that the project had fallen apart—news that he shared via concept art on Instagram. That ended up being all the catalyst that 20th Century Fox needed to get serious in committing to develop the movie with the South African director, who is finally, officially, for now the attached director.
As far as what Blomkamp plans to do with series, he has explicitly shared his desire to present the film as “the genetic sequel to Aliens,” meaning that he can disregard the sloppy and generally unloved Alien³ section of the storyline, and focus on not having to pick up where Alien: Resurrection took off. (You know, the part where Ripley ultimately ends up being some kind of maternally conflicted savior cyborg? Good call ditching that, Neill.)
But besides that—and the fact that Ridley Scott will inexplicably be producing this film in addition to his already-in-development Prometheus 2—all that’s left currently is speculation and rumors. Surely Blomkamp’s Chappie star Sigourney Weaver will reprise her role of Ripley for this installment? And the rumors are flying for a return of Michael Biehn as Hicks, particularly given his inclusion within the original concept art shared by Blomkamp. (Why stop there? After all, if they can bring Ripley and Hicks back from the dead, why not Hudson, too? Please? Make the right choice, guys.)
#ripley #hicks A photo posted by Brownsnout (@neillblomkamp) on
Regardless, for better or worse, it’s evident that Blomkamp has already been thrown onto the plank for this one. If he even survives to make it to production at all, that will be a feat of its own. Making the movie actually good? Another story altogether.
