The Alien franchise has seen some ups-and-downs in recent years. In the 43 years since the original’s debut, we’ve seen six mainline films in addition to a number of spin-offs, such as the Alien vs. Predator films. However, while we’re waiting to see how Ridley Scott plans on following-up Alien Covenant, there appears to be a new Alien film in production.
Director Fede Álvarez is set to helm this new movie, under the watchful eye of Scott as producer. After taking on Deadites in his 2013 Evil Dead reboot and creating his own horror franchise in Don’t Breathe, Álvarez looks set to return Alien to its horror roots.
Alien Returns
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Álvarez will write and direct a new stand-alone Alien film for 20th Century Studios. The new film will be made for Hulu as part of an ambitious plan for 20th Century to make ten films a year for the Disney-owned platform. There’s currently no word on a theatrical release, leaving us to guess how the film will be distributed in regions where Hulu isn’t available.
Not much is known about the film at this time. However, it is said that it is not connected to the previous films in the franchise. Álvarez is reportedly a massive fan of the series and he casually pitched the idea for this film to Scott years ago. That idea apparently stayed in Scott’s head all these years later, and he called Álvarez asking him if he still wanted to do it.
Speaking on the project, 20th Century Division President Steve Asbell has said that the initial pitch was very strong.
“It was just a really good story with a bunch of characters you haven’t seen before.
“It’s not a film that has to be all things to all people with those gargantuan budgets. They get to be authentically what they are. And this is closer to its genre roots.”
Steve Asbell, 20th Century Division President
Film & TV Series
The original 1979 Alien was a very unique film. A mash-up of a claustrophobic haunted house thriller and a slasher monster movie, its still recognised as one of the sci-fi greats to this day. The first sequel, Aliens, turned its hand to an all-out action affair. Both films are considered remarkable for very different reasons, often leading to Alien vs Aliens debates.
Subsequent films went for a more action-heavy approach. Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection were very much in the action sci-fi vein. Scott would return to the franchise in 2012 with the critically divided Prometheus. This was a prequel steeped in Alien mythology. Following this was a movie bridging the gap between Prometheus and the original film, Alien: Covenant.
In addition to the new movie the franchise also currently has a series in the works for the FX Network. However, this is unlikely to connect with the new movie in any meaningful way.
Are you interested to see more Alien movies? Or has the franchise burned out for you? Let us know in the comments below!
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