Sigourney Weaver Reveals Ridley Scott Ended Blomkamp’s ‘Alien’ Sequel Plans
In the world of unproduced film sequels, few projects are as notable as the proposed “Alien 5.” This sequel, envisioned by director Neill Blomkamp, promised to revitalize the iconic franchise. It aimed to reverse the controversial character deaths from “Aliens” that occurred in “Alien 3.” However, plans for “Alien 5” were ultimately shelved, leading to the production of two prequels by Ridley Scott.
Sigourney Weaver’s Insight on the Cancellation
During a recent screening in Paris, Sigourney Weaver, who famously portrayed Ripley, shed light on why “Alien 5” never came to fruition. According to Weaver, Ridley Scott exhibited a “possessive” attitude towards the franchise, which hindered Blomkamp’s chances of moving forward with his project. She expressed her admiration for Blomkamp’s vision, saying, “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.”
Blomkamp’s Vision for “Alien 5”
Blomkamp’s version promised a return of beloved characters Ripley and Newt. The director had previously garnered acclaim for his work on “District 9.” He even shared concept art featuring Weaver in advanced Xenomorph bio-armor in 2015, hinting at the direction he envisioned for the sequel.
Scott’s Prequels and Their Impact
Despite interest from fans, Scott’s involvement led to the production of two prequels instead of Blomkamp’s sequel. “Alien: Covenant,” released in 2017, ended on an unresolved cliffhanger, further complicating the franchise’s future. Blomkamp later revealed that Scott’s diminishing confidence in his direction was a significant reason for the project’s collapse.
Future of the “Alien” Franchise
After “Alien 5” was abandoned, the franchise continued to evolve under Scott’s creative influence. Soon after, Scott partnered with filmmakers like Fede Alvarez for movies and Noah Hawley for television adaptations, exploring new narratives within the “Alien” universe.
- Angle of the franchise explored: Possessive nature of Ridley Scott.
- Visionary director: Neill Blomkamp’s unique take.
- Stalled sequel led to: Two specific prequels by Scott.
As the “Alien” series continues to adapt, the ghost of “Alien 5” serves as a reminder of what could have been. With talented filmmakers like Blomkamp involved, the potential for compelling storytelling remains within reach.
