New Alien Movie: Screenwriter reportedly working on potential film
In addition, a sequel to Romulus could follow
Rumor has it that a new "Alien" movie is in the works. Hollywood insiders Daniel Richtman and Jeff Sneider have heard that Brian Duffield is taking over the screenplay.
An interesting choice: The filmmaker is well versed in extraterrestrial threats and dangerous creatures. In "No One Will Save You," the director and screenwriter told the story of an alien invasion. And in his latest thriller, "Whalefall," a diver fights for survival after being swallowed by a massive whale. It's not yet known whether Duffield will also direct the "Alien" movie. No details about the plot have been revealed either.
A sequel to Alien: Romulus could also be in the works
Either way, this is likely not the sequel to "Alien: Romulus," the most recent installment in the film series to date. That's because a screenplay for it is reportedly already in the works by Fede Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues. Álvarez also directed "Alien: Romulus." This time, however, he will likely only be on board as a screenwriter and producer. Director Michael Sarnoski, who is currently making a name for himself with "The Death of Robin Hood," is reportedly in talks to direct the potential "Romulus" sequel.
Either way, we'll have to wait and see if and how the "Alien" franchise will continue on the big screen. Especially since the reports about Sarnoski and Duffield are merely speculation at this point. Consequently, the whole thing should be taken with a grain of salt for now. That said, in Duffield's case, 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell has spoken out. On social media, he responded to the rumor with a simple: "Who?" This was obviously meant as a joke, since he has already worked with Duffield on "No One Will Save You" and "Whalefall," as JoBlo reports.
Alien: A classic of science-fiction horror
Hardly any monster has left such a lasting impression on the big screen as the titular creatures of the "Alien" series. The first film, released in 1979, in particular, remains a celebrated classic to this day, impressively blending science fiction with horror. With "Alien," director Ridley Scott created a genre milestone against which the franchise's numerous sequels must measure up.
What's astonishing is that the direct sequel, "Aliens," is every bit as good – albeit in a different way. In 1986, James Cameron directed a sequel that builds on the first film. This is especially true of the development of the protagonist Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, who becomes a more complex character in the second film. At the same time, the film undergoes a genre shift: while Scott's version focused on horror, Cameron directed an action film that also left a lasting impression on cinematic history.
It's not the same without Ripley
When it comes to critical acclaim, the sequels certainly have a harder time. Yet parts 3 and 4, in particular, have their own unique appeal. With "Alien 3," David Fincher achieved something remarkable: within the already rather bleak film series, he directed in 1992 a sequel that at times comes across as so desolate that this desolation takes on a charm all its own. This was followed in 1997 by the most recent installment to date in which Sigourney Weaver took center stage as Ellen Ripley: "Alien: Resurrection." This time, Jean-Pierre Jeunet directed. What made it special was that Ripley was essentially reinvented as a character. This gave the heroine new dimensions that were as surprising as they were convincing.
Over the following years, additional "Alien" films were released, though they no longer centered on Ripley. These included prequels, for which Ridley Scott returned as director, as well as crossover films featuring encounters with the alien hunters from the "Predator" franchise. Whether some of these films measure up to the first four installments featuring Ripley is something everyone must decide for themselves. In any case, one thing remains clear: without the legendary on-screen heroine, it's somehow just not the same.
