The future of the Ridley Scott Alien franchise took a controversial turn when director Ridley Scott prevented Neill Blomkamp’s proposed sequel from moving forward, according to statements made by Sigourney Weaver. Weaver discussed this missed opportunity for the franchise while attending a special event in Paris, highlighting significant behind-the-scenes tensions and creative disagreements.
Blomkamp’s Proposed Sequel and Its Ambitious Approach
After District 9 brought director Neill Blomkamp into the spotlight, anticipation grew for his vision of Alien 5. This film was designed to offer significant changes to the established storyline, including the potential to undo the divisive character deaths from Alien 3 that left many fans and creatives dissatisfied. Rather than seeing further exploration of Blomkamp’s ideas, the studio ultimately produced two prequel films under Scott, which received mixed reactions from audiences.
Weaver Reflects on Blomkamp’s Project and Scott’s Influence
Sigourney Weaver, who is known for portraying Ripley, addressed the franchise’s creative crossroads at a Paris screening of the original Alien. She spoke highly of Blomkamp’s approach and script, noting his skill and the excitement surrounding his proposal to reintroduce characters like Ripley and Newt:
“Yes. Well, I think like many of us, I was a big admirer of Neill. His movie was so striking, and I worked with him on a movie called [Chappie]. And I loved working with Neil, and he had this idea of bringing Ripley and Newt back,”
Weaver said.
She revealed that resistance to the project came directly from Scott:
“It was a wonderful script, and unfortunately, it was at that point I think that Ridley Scott decided to be very possessive about the series and really drilled down on his prequels. And so I think it was a disaster for that project. We were never able to,”
Weaver continued.
“I think Neil, in fact, just gave up, and he’s so talented. I wish him all the best.”
Concept Art and Reactions from the Alien Community
Blomkamp’s vision for the Alien sequel made waves online in 2015, when he published concept art featuring Weaver’s Ripley in a striking Xenomorph-inspired suit. While Scott denied that a full script existed, both Weaver and James Cameron spoke positively about the screenplay and expressed enthusiasm for its ideas. This added further intrigue and disappointment among the franchise’s loyal followers, including those on community sites and platforms dedicated to Alien, comics, and movies.
Studio Decision and Fallout
Though 20th Century Fox signaled its support by approving early development for Blomkamp’s project, studio priorities shifted. Ultimately, Scott resumed his role at the helm, resulting in Alien: Covenant. That film concluded with open threads that were never resolved, and the franchise soon saw another relaunch with assistance from Fede Alvarez in cinema and Noah Hawley on television.
Blomkamp’s Perspective on the Abandoned Film
Reflecting on the disappointing developments in a 2021 interview with The Playlist, Blomkamp pointed to Scott’s wavering confidence as the key reason Alien 5 was shelved:
“At the end of the day, even though Ridley Scott is producing it, he brought that to the world, so if he changes his mind or if there is a director on it he doesn’t want, whatever it may be, it’s his. I understand that it makes logical sense to me,”
the Chappie director said.
The Lasting Impact on the Franchise and Its Fans
The decision to abandon Blomkamp’s Alien sequel has continued to shape discussions among fans and creators, reinforcing Scott’s considerable influence over the franchise’s ongoing direction. Figures like Sigourney Weaver, James Cameron, and the wider sci-fi community continue to reflect on the creative opportunities lost, while the franchise itself moves forward under the stewardship of new collaborators. The Ridley Scott Alien franchise remains a point of contention, raising questions about creative ownership and the future direction of one of science fiction’s most storied legacies.
Concept art from Neill Blomkamp's canceled "Alien 5" https://t.co/U5YC6PU1HD pic.twitter.com/a2Yez1jJbX
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