Danny Boyle turned down Alien franchise for other projects after nearly taking the director’s chair for the iconic series, citing uncertainty about technology and a gut feeling he wasn’t the right fit for the job, according to recent revelations. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Boyle reflected on meetings with stars like Sigourney Weaver and Winona Ryder before walking away, a move that ultimately redirected his career.
Why Danny Boyle Stepped Away from the Alien Film
In the late 1990s, as 20th Century Fox planned to revive Ellen Ripley—played by Sigourney Weaver—in Alien: Resurrection, Danny Boyle was initially selected as a prime candidate to handle the franchise’s next chapter. The project was at the crossroads of practical effects and computer-generated imagery, challenging filmmakers to adapt. Boyle discussed the seriousness of his involvement in the early stages, having personally met with lead actors.
“I met Sigourney Weaver and Winona Ryder, who were attached to it. So obviously it was pretty serious. They were wonderful. But it was the early days of the CG crossover. That moment where it was transitioning. And I couldn’t handle the CG,”
—Danny Boyle, Director
A Moment of Clarity and the Choice to Move On
Despite his enthusiasm for the Alien universe, Boyle experienced self-doubt about taking on such a technically demanding production. He described feeling passionate about the concept but recognized an instinct telling him to refuse the opportunity at a critical time in his career.
“I was very passionate about it, because I loved the Alien idea. I just suddenly had a rare moment of clarity, thinking, ‘You are not the right guy for this,’”
—Danny Boyle, Director
After turning down the Alien franchise, Boyle redirected his creative efforts toward A Life Less Ordinary, another 20th Century Fox project. While that film did not achieve box office success, he does not seem to harbor regrets about the decision.
“I went off to make A Life Less Ordinary instead. That was 20th Century folks as well. I didn’t do Alien, and I went and made this flop for them instead! But it’s water under the bridge.”
—Danny Boyle, Director
Legacy of Missed Opportunities and New Endeavors
Danny Boyle is not new to walking away from high-profile franchises. More recently, he stepped aside from directing Daniel Craig’s last James Bond installment, No Time to Die, again citing creative differences. These choices have shaped what might be described as “what-if” moments in cinema, leaving fans to wonder about the versions of classics that could have been directed by Boyle.
Today, Boyle is investing his energies in reigniting another well-known franchise. He is producing 28 Years Later, which is set to expand the story from his earlier work on 28 Days Later. The new movie, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, with Nia DaCosta taking on directing duties. Boyle’s willingness to take creative risks and step away from established projects has become a defining trait of his career.
Impact on Film and What Lies Ahead
Danny Boyle’s decision to turn down Alien, collaborate with Sigourney Weaver and Winona Ryder briefly, and shift toward other projects underscores his selective approach to filmmaking. It highlights how pivotal choices—guided by instinct and the evolving nature of the industry, such as the rise of computer graphics—can divert the trajectory of creative careers in Hollywood. As fans anticipate the return of the 28 Years Later series, Boyle’s unique place among directors willing to challenge genre norms remains clear.
