Remember a few weeks ago when we wrote about movie franchises that maybe should never have been franchised in the first place? “Alien” could be one of them. Ridley Scott’s terrifying original is still remarkable, and James Cameron’s sequel “Aliens” managed to expand the universe by switching genres into the action war movie to great effect. But from “Alien 3” through the “V. Predator” team-ups to Scott’s recent “Prometheus,” all the other films in the series have been disappointing from one degree to another.
It remains to be seen if Neill Blomkamp can revive the series successfully. The South African at the helm of “District 9” was also behind the deeply disappointing “Elysium” and “Chappie.” Blomkamp has moved on to develop a new “Alien” picture that would see the return of Sigourney Weaver to the role of Ripley, moving alongside a potential sequel to “Prometheus.”
“Alien” fans cooled on Blomkamp after his second and third films have nevertheless been impressed by the concept art he’s posted from the still-untitled movie, and more’s just arrived, with the director teasing with another tidbit on his Instagram. The art features the likeness of Ripley, and confirms that his plans also seem to involve a return for Michael Biehn and his Hicks character, seen here gruesomely scarred. We’re still cautious about the project (there’s no arrival date yet), but Blomkamp seems to be excited, and we hope that indicates a return to the glories of his debut, rather than what came afterwards. Take a look at the art below.
Not only was Elysium and Chappie disappointing, I would say District 9 is overrated as well. Loved it the first time I saw it. Does not stand up to scrutiny upon second viewing, once the novelty of an alien encounter movie set in post-apartheid South Africa has worn off.
Hack.
Calling Elysium "disappointing" & "terrible" are great examples of internet hyperbole. I\’m motivated to comment by saying that Elysium was excellent sci fi and created a fully realized world that was honest to it\’s own rules, fit nicely with NB\’s DISTRICT 9 aesthetic and offered a cogent commentary on the economic disparities of today\’s world. That kind of commentary was once once seen as covert (a la original Star Trek), but today\’s sci fi viewers crave a more oblique kind of commentary. It was a great mix of sci fi military action, underdog chase scenes, and hero quest, that ended with a noble sacrifice. Terrible? Hardly. Considering most sci fi films of the past 20 years do fit that description, (Ultraviolet, AvP, Mission to Mars, Phantom Menace, Fantastic Four, Escape from LA…) and with so many truly disappointing films that had every advantage (Prometheus, Terminator: Salvation, Alien 4, Burton\’s Planet of the Apes, I am Legend, Sunshine, ST: Into Darkness…) Why are we singling out a solid film SF actioner like Elysium? Chappie was just plain fun, and again fit right into the world of Bloomkamp. I think he is a perfect fit for the world of Alien, but Fincher and Juenet looked great on paper too. Here\’s to hoping!
I dont get the hate for chappie or elysium either? is it because americans cant grasp the concept of "fun" and "free health care" and that they side with the struggling class instead of condemn it? I mean you guys absolutely loved the batman franchaise and that was like an Ayn Rand lecture with action dolls.
Leon wtf are you talking about you nob-jockey? vs Predator is a completely different series. Elysium and Chappie were terrible, you don\’t know what you\’re saying do you. They were good films, at least they were different and had good ideas and made a good stab at sci-fi. Instead of wanting to be \’\’hopeful\’\’ why don\’t you focus on \’\’wanting\’\’ to be less of a bell-end you big virgin.
And here is a tip, his name is spealt Blomkamp you son a bitch, and he\’s bringing a new Aliens film out, featuring Hicks, give some credit where credits due and how some respect, this is going to be an excellent quality film.
It\’s all fun and games until you are a half day behind schedule…
The odds of this turning out better than say, "Alien Resurrection" are so slim that it is hardly worth getting worked up about. One factor no one considers is that when you are a director on an established franchise, you are NOT the boss. It doesn\’t matter how many storyboards you\’ve done. Just ask Edgar Wright. It takes a very particular director to both have a strong opinion and to be able to manage the backseat drivers jerking at the wheel every day. There is nothing about Blomkamp that suggests that he has that mix of the creative and political attributes necessary to land a massive franchise installment on the precise coordinates where "Alien" and "Aliens" reside.
Elysium was terrible and so was chappie. Also how is he going to explain hicks\’ return. Didn\’t he die in alien 3 or is he just going to forget about that through vs predator. Don\’t get me wrong vs predator sucked cause of a pg 13 rating. I want a hard R scary intense action thriller. Like the first 2. I want to be hopeful. Here is a tip, hey bloatkamp leave emotion out of this.
Oh wow, finally Micheal Biehn gets some love… so they\’re overlooking anything post Aliens then? I\’m cool with that…
Don\’t you screw this up Blomkamp…
Deeply disappointing Elysium and Chappie? Elysium was a very good film, and Chappie was a good effort, and both films were very good sci fi. Can\’t wait to see what Blomkamp does with Alien, and I hope he gets a Star Wars film as well, because if anyone knows how to make original guns its Blomkamp