One of the most visionary new sci-fi filmmakers today, Neill Blomkamp (District 9, the upcoming Chappie), just got the keys to play in one of the biggest science fiction franchises of all time. Fox has greenlit Blomkamp's re-imagining to the Alien series.
Word that this would be Blomkamp's latest came initially from director himself, who posted a concept art picture of the titular alien on Instagram with the following caption: "Um..So I think it's officially my next film #alien."
Variety later confirmed that 20th Century Fox closed the deal for the Elysium filmmaker to make his vision come to life. This new movie is said to take place years after the events of 2012's Prometheus. Other than that, plot details are slim.
It should be noted, however, this is separate from Prometheus 2, a film the studio apparently still wants to make. While one would be forgiven to think the project was dead in the water, it's apparent someone out there wants it made. Whatever makes them happy.
Teased of late by Blomkamp when he posted concept art from the film online, although Blomkamp worked on this new movie for the past couple years, he assumed it was dead in the water. The pictures showcased original lead actress Sigourney Weaver prominently, which added to fans' enthusiasm and clamoring for the unmade movie to come to life. The positive online response, however, started changing the studio's tune, and that's how we got to where we are now.
Despite Weaver's presence in the drawings, it's unclear at the moment if she's involved in the picture. Ridley Scott, the director of the original Alien and Prometheus, however, is involved with this and Prometheus 2 through his Scott Free company, according to the report. After the mixed-to-negative fan response to Prometheus, and also the last two Alien films, the filmmakers hope this restores love and energy into the series beloved by sci-fi nerds everywhere. One can only keep their fingers crossed it will.
Chappie comes to theaters on March 6.
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com