Neill Blomkamp Secretly Working On An ALIENS Sequel, Fox Make This Movie Now!

Writer-director Neill Blomkamp is arguably one of the few original voices in the world of science fiction filmmaking. Having left a troubled Halo film franchise, after the project fell apart at the studio. Only to make three original films within the science fiction genre via District 9, Elysium and the upcoming Chappie. Neill, along with Duncan Jones have been making waves within the genre and I've kind of seen them act as this era's version of Ridley Scott and James Cameron, but at a much smaller scale.

We really haven't heard too much chatter from Blomkamp about playing around in other franchises, the expectation he would never want to. However, this is seemingly not the case as the Neill posted a bunch of concept art for an Aliens sequel (titled Alien: Xeno?) on Instagram. He points-out on Twitter that 20th Century Fox had no idea this was going on. I'm sure they'll be eagerly contacting him as this has been gathering a lot of buzz online. Blomkamp is also hinting he might be going with something else instead, which is a shame. Although, if Fox is smart they'll consider making a development deal with Blomkamp.

Was working on this. Don't think I am anymore. Love it though. #alien #xenomorph http://t.co/3T4iINZG18
— Neill Blomkamp (@NeillBlomkamp) January 2, 2015

Ps this has nothing to do with the studio. I just feel like I might do something else instead. In which case why not show some work-
— Neill Blomkamp (@NeillBlomkamp) January 2, 2015

They didn't really even know I was working on it ha
— Neill Blomkamp (@NeillBlomkamp) January 2, 2015

I assume this film would take the place of the events from both Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection. Since the artwork includes Hicks and Ripley getting back together to kick-ass. Hicks and Newt were controversially killed-off in the opening scene of Alien3, a move that had James Cameron scratching his head. Having just spent an entire film setting-up Ripley's connection and relationships with both three-dimensional characters. We know that at one time James and Ridley Scott came together to pitch Alien 5, which was rejected in-favor for Alien Vs Predator. Leading to Cameron washing his hands of the franchise.

You can kind of get what the plot of the film was likely going to be in the images. As it looks like the Weyland Corporation has recovered the derelict ship, finally got their hands on the xenomorph and the space jockey technology. Ripley and Hicks going on a suicide mission to destroy the ship and the research facility. I assume by the time they get there the xenos are already running-a-muck, since an alien queen is lumbering around the facility in one concept shot.

The interesting part in all this is that Sigourney Weaver has mentioned in the press about being-up for another installment if the studio was game. Michael Biehn I'm sure would be game as well if this is the sort of direction they're going for. Since he just reprised the role of Hicks in the Aliens: Colonial Marines video game.

Another awesome aspect, this movie wouldn't interfere with either Prometheus 2 or an Alien: Isolation adaptation. Since both projects take place way before the events of Aliens and this possible concept. It should be noted that one of the pieces of artwork is dated March 2014, so this is stuff was recently put together by Blomkamp.

I really do think Fox should contract Blomkamp about this project, even if it isn't his next film after Chappie. This honestly feels like where Cameron would have gone if Fox had waited for him to make Alien3, so it's an exciting prospect with lots of potential.

Over the summer it was revealed that Fox was developing a direct sequel to Predator with Shane Black. If they're retreading with that franchise, they might as do the same for the much more popular Alien saga. Giving fans that film we always wanted to see.

SOURCE: INSTAGRAM

RUMOR: Warner Bros. Keen On Christopher Nolan Directing Virtual Reality Flick READY PLAYER ONE?

TrackingBoard is reporting that Warner Bros. is offering the directing job for science fiction film Ready Player One to Christopher Nolan (Inception, Interstellar, Memento, The Dark Knight). The film is an adapatuon of the novel by Ernest Cline from screenwriter Zak Penn. Nolan usually isn't known for taking studio scraps, but after taking on the ex-Spielberg project Interstellar anything is possible. It should also be noted that Nolan really hasn't talked about future projects, other than his Howard Hughes movie.

"Follows a teenage boy who enters into an elaborate treasure hunt to win the fortune that was left behind in the will of the creator of his favorite virtual reality game, Oasis. He finds himself up against powerful corporations and competitors who will stop at nothing to get the inheritance."

The science fiction aspect and virtual reality aspect might be enough to sway Nolan. Even more so if he's able to rework the script himself or with the help of brother Jonah Nolan. I'm actually curious to know if he's been approached by Alcon to direct the Blade Runner sequel. Ridley Scott has been vocal in interviews about not being committal to the sequel (also backtracking to stop damage control), likely having to chose between it and Prometheus 2. You might remember that Alcon has a working relationship with Nolan, as production company helped him make the thriller Insomnia which starred Al Pacino and Robin Williams. It could also give Nolan a sizeable scale and mythology to play with, not to mention it's theme of replicant slavery.

SOURCE: TRACKINGBOARD

Ridley Scott Wont Direct BLADE RUNNER 2 And Confirms 2015 Production Start

I've been hearing for months that Ridley Scott would have to chose between directing Blade Runner and Prometheus sequels. It seemed that Ridley had chosen Blade Runner as he stated recently it was next for him once The Martian wrapped production. Apparently, that isn't the case as Scott confirmed to Variety that he will be acting as the film's producer not director. Along with a 2015 production start for the sequel that will indeed see Harrsion Ford return.

While Ridley begins production on The Martian, it begs the question will Fox finally make an announcement concerning Prometheus 2. We know that that the script has been finalized, with the cast ready to go. I'm sure a lot of pre-production work, mainly the design side and set construction still has to be worked out. Ridley has promised fans a new alien threat, so that might take a bit of time to develop. However, TheWrap had stated that Fox was eyeing a March 2016 date for the sequel. I assume this date could get bumped back to allow Ridley to complete The Martian. A delay also makes sense considering Fassbender will be busy as well shooting Bryan Singer's X-Men Apocalypse. At least this gives us hope that Ridley will indeed return for the Prometheus sequel.

I'm extremely curious who will tackle the film. I feel like Christopher Nolan (worked with Alcon before on Insomnia) could do the franchise justice, but it's unlikely since it will shoot soon and he wouldn't have time to make the rewrites to the script.

SOURCE: VARIETY

Ridley Scott Reaffirms PROMETHEUS 2 Script Finished And New Alien Threat

It's starting to look like Prometheus 2 is moving further away from the Alien franchise, than previously thought. As Ridley Scott recently proclaimed the sequel wouldn't include xenomorphs, something we had expected since the new direction/focus was the engineers and not the xenos. He's now going even further by stating we could be getting an entirely new alien threat. Ridley spoke to TheAustralian (via SciFied) and reaffirmed his plans to stay away from the xenomorph. He also confirmed (again) that the script for the sequel is now completed, and "very good".

“it’s fresh” and “getting away from gods and dragons and shit. If I see one more dragon I’m going to shoot myself. Stop the dragons.” Rather than a dragon, Scott describes his original Alien as “the definitive dragon and he’s a motherf . . ker. The alien’s real which is why it’s probably one of the scariest monsters in film history,” Scott says. “So withPrometheus 2 what I’m trying to do is reintroduce a fresher form of alien in the third act.” The Prometheus “baby” alien was, he concedes, “awfully close to the alien” that tormented Sigourney Weaver. His next one promises to be very different.



Noomi Rapace was asked by MTV about who she thought who the film's new protagonist and antagonist should be. Pointing to God and the Devil, which I assume just means good and evil. Perhaps, the talk of two warring factions within the Engineer society might actually be explored in the film afterall. I'm more interested in seeing what made them so angry they wanted to destroy Earth.

There have already been a few plot points possibly revealed already, we're expected to see the return of Weyland Industries. Mainly, that we'll be seeing many more Davids in the film. I'm sort of hoping we do get more humans as well.

I'd love to see a version of the Andrea Bishop hologram/android from the viral site make an appearance as well. However, whenever the timeline is set in the new film (cryo-sleep being a factor). They might have already whizzed past the events of LV-426, unless this film will indeed be the bridge between the two films.

Scott has mentioned his next film once The Martian wraps will be the Blade Runner sequel. This very well might mean that Fox will indeed start looking for another director. Prometheus while under the title of Alien: Origins didn't originally have Ridley as it's director, so it's possible he could help search for his replacement.

I'm rooting for Under The Skin's Jonathan Glazer, but could see someone like Halo: Nightfall's Sergio Mimica-Gezzan takeover for Ridley. Halo is already a franchise inspired by the Alien saga, more accurately James Cameron's Aliens. I'm sure fans would like to see the action level amped-up a bit for the sequel. Ridley produced the Halo series, I assume he'll end-up staying-on as a producer and help hand pick a new director. That's if Scott does exit the director's chair, which sounds like a possibility as Fox isn't known for waiting for Alien saga directors.

SOURCE: THE AUSTRALIAN 

Chiwetel Ejiofor And Sean Bean Join Ridley Scott's THE MARTAIN

Deadline is reporting that actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave, Children of Men) has landed a a part in Ridley Scott's The Martian. British badass Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, Patriot Games, Goldeneye, Lord of The Rings, Ronin) will also have a role in the sci-fi flick. The rest of the cast includes Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels and Donald Glover. I'm actually more excited for this project than the upcoming release of Exodus: Gods and Kings. 20th Century Fox has set the release date for November 25th, 2015.


SOURCE: DEADLINE

Donald Glover Joins Ridley Scott's Sci-Fi Flick THE MARTIAN

TheWrap is reporting that Community's Donald Glover and Headhunters' Aksel Hennie have joined the growing cast of Ridley Scott's The Martian. The science fiction film has Matt Damon starring in the lead role. Joining Matt Damon is an impressive supporting cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Mackenzie Davis and Jeff Daniels. Jeff also reveals who is playing who, take a look below for details.

Chastain will play the leader of the rescue mission, while Pena, Mara and Henne will play astronauts. Daniels will play the director of NASA ,while Wiig will play its director of media relations. Glover and Davis will play bright young NASA employees.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Warner Bros. Making Fourth I AM LEGEND Movie, Will They Get It Right This Time?

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is attempting a fourth adaptation of Richard Matheson's novel I Am Legend. The other versions include Vincent Price's The Last Man On Earth, Charles Heston's The Omega Man and Will Smith's I Am Legend. This time they are moving forward without Will Smith, a smart move on their part. Considering that Smith is known to hold-up productions and hasn't been the earner at the box office he used to be. The problems he creates during the development process, isn't worth the headaches.

The studio is looking to reboot with a spec-script entitled A Garden At The End of The World, which will be retooled to fit the I Am Legend world. This Black List script comes from newcomer screenwriter Gary Graham. A new actor will be looked-at to spearhead this potential franchise. I'm very curious what director they'll land that will be able to turn this property into a serial horror franchise.

Before the 2007 film the project had been set to film back in 1997. Ridley Scott was actually hired by the studio to direct with Arnold Schwarzenegger attached to star. John Logan (Skyfall, Hugo, The Aviator, Last Samurai, Gladiator, Any Given Sunday) penned a rewrite of the original draft, which included a long stretch of the film without any dialog for the first hour.

While that awesome film was never to be, we have some idea of cool it could have been. Studio ADI posted images and video from the makeup tests from Scott's version. To say it's impressive is an understatement. Considering the final film ended-up using unrealistic looking CGI creature effects, it's a shame to see all this practical work went to waste. However, the design work surely did influence Francis Lawrence's film greatly. The studio felt Ridley's vision was too expensive and he would go-off to make Gladiator instead.

As we're in the era of Walking Dead, you'd think Warner Bros. would aim for more practical horror effects in this new project, time will tell. Digital effects are seemingly less expensive, but don't always age well and aren't best used in horror films. Smith's I Am Legend is only seven years old, but the film looks twice it's age due to the poor digital work. The downside of digital horror effects is that they never end-up looking scary enough to be convincing, as practical makeup can.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Kate Mara Could Join Growing Cast Of Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN

Deadline says an offer has gone out to Kate Mara (House of Cards, Iron Man 2, Fantastic Four) for an unnamed role in Ridley Scott's The Martian. The sci-fi thriller setup at 20th Century Fox, has a script by Drew Goddard (Cloverfield, Cabin In The Woods) and is based on the novel by Andy Weir. I'm sure we'll be hearing a bunch of casting news concerning the project in the coming weeks.

Matt Damon is set for the lead role, with Jessica Chastain reportedly cast in a role and Kristen Wiig also circling the project. I haven't read Weir's novel, but there seems to be a lot of ladies involved currently. TheWrap recently reported that Canadian newcomer Mackenzie Davis (Halt And Catch Fire) was posed to take a supporting role. We have to assume that there are a bunch of roles that are being cast, since most of Ridley's casts are rather large.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Mackenzie Davis Joins Matt Damon & Jessica Chastain In Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN

TheWrap reports that newcomer Mackenzie Davis from AMC's Halt And Catch Fire has landed a role in Ridley Scott's upcoming sci-fi thriller The Martian. Adapted from the novel by Andy Weir from screenwriter Drew Goddard (Sinister Six, Cabin In The Woods, Cloverfield, Lost) The 20th Century Fox project already has Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain co-starring in the leads. Kristen Wiig was also in the mix, but currently isn't mentioned in this new report.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Jessica Chastain And Kristen Wiig Circling Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN Starring Matt Damon

Deadline reports the casting for Ridley Scott's next science-fiction film is underway. Jessica Chastain and Kristen Wiig are circling the female leads, opposite Matt Damon in The Martian. The film setup at 20th Century Fox, was adapted from the Andy Weir novel by screenwriter Drew Goddard (Daredevil, Cabin The Woods, Sinister Six, Cloverfield). It centres around an astronaut (Damon), who must survive his mission to Mars.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Ridley Scott Reckons BLADE RUNNER 2 Will Be Made Before PROMETHEUS 2, Should Fox Wait For Him?

Recently, director Ridley Scott confirmed to EntertainmentWeekly that indeed his next film will based on the sci-fi novel The Martian starring Matt Damon. He had updates on his two science fiction sequels as well, stating both scripts for Blade Runner 2 and Prometheus 2 are finished. However, Scott believes that Blade Runner will happen first. These statements sound a bit confusing to us, considering we've been hearing the studio has already set it's release date for March 4th, 2016. Release dates change all the time, but waiting for Scott to complete two films might be too long for them. Will the studio wait for Ridley Scott, or will they simply move production forward with another director?

Fox has a history of being impatient when it comes to their science fiction franchises. The Alien saga is littered with stories of how the studio couldn't be bothered waiting for Ridley or James Cameron, and hired other directors to replace them on sequels. They even tossed-out Ridley and James collaboration pitch for Alien 5, in favor for the disastrous Alien Vs. Predator. They have been more intent on release dates, than who directors the film. I'm sure fans including myself want Ridley to return, but if Scott came back the first time wouldn't have James Cameron's Aliens.

Who does 20th Century Fox hire if that can't wait for Ridley to finish-up two films? There's only two directors that scream Alien/Prometheus franchise to me at the moment. They are British directors Jonathan Glazer and Duncan Jones, both who have dipped-their-toes into dark science fiction stories.

Duncan Jones' film Moon, an homage of sorts to the work of Ridley Scott and more directly Alien, proves he understood the dark undertones of corporate greed that was apart of the original films. We know that Weyland Industries will have a returning role in the sequel, and we would need someone who can convincing portray this slime-ball group properly. I think Jones knows better than most what makes the franchise work and how to the mix the elements, without retreading old beats. The only issue with Jones is that he's already busy with post-production on Warcraft, which is expect to spawn sequels if successful. There is also a bit of speculation circling, that Jones could be called-up by Lucasfilm for a Star Wars film in the future.

Jonathan Glazer (Under The Skin, Sexy Beast, Birth) could be our creative diamond-in-the-rough. He's got a stunning visual style, that does remind me of a mix of Ridley and David Fincher (who got his Hollywood start directing Alien 3). If the script is as good as Scott is reporting it is, anyone could pick it up and shoot it. If not, Glazer is accomplished screenwriter himself and understands the thriller genre better than most. I don't think having Glazer adding his flare to the script would be a terrible thing.



I won't deny that Glazer has a bit of an oddball aspect to his films, that might turn-off fans and audiences alike, but taking director risks is what the franchise is known for. As long as Ridley stays-on as a producer it should go over well with his original vision for it. Glazer's Under The Skin reminded of the of horror creepy elements that worked best in Prometheus, I think he'd have an excellent take on the look of the Engineers' homeworld and their society.

The other side of the coin, is that Fox pushes the release date to 2017. It's doubtful they'd want such a delay between the two films. Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender are still under contract, but it's unknown how locked-on Ridley is if he can delay the production by an entire year. I'm sure Fox will make up their minds soon, if they have a completed script movement might start with or without Ridley.

Granted, it should also be noted the film was always envisioned as a two-part epic, even when it was originally titled Alien: Origins. Having Scott complete it makes a lot of sense. When the film was first readying production, Ridley passed-on the torch to one of his Scott Free proteges Carl Rinsch. The studio actually demanded Carl taken-off the film and Ridley direct instead. I can't even imagine what the film would have looked-like with another director. Rinsch would eventually land at Universal making their ambitious trainwreck samurai flick 47 Ronin.

Should Fox wait for Ridley Scott to complete his other two productions first, and push the release date to 2017? Or should Fox move forward with the completed script and find a new director?

Will Australia Be The Setting For Weyland's Mars Facility Or Engineer Planet In PROMETHEUS 2?

TheDailyMail back in May, picked-up on a possible location scout by Ridley Scott for Prometheus 2 in Australia. The country is known for it's stunning landscapes, and most notably it's vibrant badlands, which has been best used in the Mad Max franchise. We have no idea when the production is expected to begin, but with it's release date rumored for March 6th, 2016 it could be sometime very soon. Once Ridley has finished his promotional tour for Exodus.

Ridley and Fox have recently hired Michael Green (Blade Runner 2) to do rewrites to the sequel's script from Jack Paglen (Transcendence). Besides the knowledge that David (Michael Fassbender) and Shaw (Noomi Rapce) are heading to the engineer world, we don't know too much about the direction the sequel will go. However, we should expect a large presence from Weyland Industries.

I have to assume Ridley is there because of his desire to shoot Australia's deserts and farmlands. The director previously mentioning wanting to shoot plains/farmlands for the sequel. What those locations could be used for is a little less known, but farmlands could mean terraforming or off-world colonies. It was established that Peter Weyland was well underway colonizing/militarizing Mars, and this could be the location where a rescue/military operation is launched to investigate the missing crew of the Prometheus. TheWrap mentioned a bunch of androids and multiple Davids in the film, it would make sense that the company would send loyal androids along for the ride. I'm sure we'll also see another expendable human crew as well.

Aussie actor Guy Pearce has mentioned a desire to return for the sequel. This could be in the form of an heir, hologram, droid or even the ship's computer (an early version of Father?). Having a company interest sounds about right for the universe, and bringing back a non-elderly Weyland would be worthwhile. Since his best scenes were from the Ted Talk viral clip. There are plenty of science-fiction ways to bring him back, and he's obviously game for it.

The viral campaign also introduced us to an early model of the Bishop line of androids with Andrea Bishop, I'm hoping that is new character is included in the next film. Since we didn't have any female bots in the last installment. Plus, having Andrea involved would be a nice call-back to both Bishop (Aliens, Alien 3) and Call (Alien Resurrection). I'd love to see Andrea Risebourgh (Oblivion, Welcome To The Punch, Shadow Dancer) in the role.

I'd also love to see return or at least the origins of the relationship between the United States Colonial Marines and the Weyland Corporation, along with how they interact with the regular population and colonies outside of Aliens. There is still plenty to explore with the marines, and they tend to have richer character development moments than company employees or scientists. It would also allow Ridley to branch-out and give us other characters to route for, besides Shaw.

Another possibility is that it could double for the engineer home-world planet. We've already seen a bunch of H.R. Giger's production art from Jodorowsky's Dune used in the first film on LV-223. Not to mention the design of the engineer taking major cues from David Lynch's film as well. Placing the aliens in a violent desert planet wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Maybe the remaining few are living in the ruins of their once great society, after whatever sparked the massacre at their military base on LV-223.

Speaking of Giger's unused Dune artwork, I'm sure some of the other Harkonnen pieces could find their way into the sequel as well.

Guy Pearce Wants To Return For PROMETHEUS 2

Prometheus has had it's share of problems pointed-out, but one thing Ridley Scott nailed was casting Guy Pearce as an ambitious young Peter Weyland. His scenes at Ted Talk were cut-out of the main film and used in the viral campaign instead. They plant the seeds of Weyland's search to find immortality, space exploration and his god-complex. Weyland is a twisted and ruthless character that never really got flushed-out in the film, but he could in Prometheus 2.

During a recent interview with IGN, the Aussie actor revealed a desire to join the cast of Prometheus 2, and would jump at the chance to work with Ridley Scott again. The film is being eyed for a March 4th, 2016 release date. Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace are already set to return in their roles. Guy mentions being open to playing Weyland again, or someone else entirely.

"I'd love to go back and play that character again..To work for Ridley again, you know, he's great -- really wonderful to work for. So yeah, I'm very curious to see what he will do next with it."

"Based on my character's request for immortality and then getting whacked in the head with Michael Fassbender's head, uh... no. [Laughs] But I think it's possible. I just think it may not be for Peter Weyland. I mean, who knows? When you look at science fiction and the ways in which you can cut the pie and things can develop -- technologically speaking, etcetera -- anything's possible, really, isn't it? Particularly with Ridley at the helm."

Of course, there are plenty of ways Guy could be used in the film. Flashbacks or propaganda company videos being the first things that come to mind. Perhaps, cloning is used to keep Peter Weyland around, even after his death. Alien Resurrection used cloning to bring back Ripley, it wouldn't be hard to imagine Weyland having access to that kind of technology. Another angle could be he plays an heir to the Weyland dynasty. A relative that happens to be the spitting-image of Peter Weyland.

An even simpler way would be to pull a Bishop, and have a Weyland look-a-like android. We've already had talk of many Davids (Fassbender) in the sequel. Adding another android acting on the behalf of the interests of Weyland Industries looking like Peter sounds about right. I'd also think it's possible we could see a ship computer not unlike mother/father, with a hologram persona in the guise of young Peter Weyland.

SOURCE: IGN

Sigourney Weaver Still Open To Making ALIEN 5 And Finishing The Ripley Saga

A fifth Alien movie has been in development and limbo for almost two decades, but a new glimmer of hope has arrived. Sigourney Weaver recently commented on her desire to reprise the role of Ripley and finally end her story for good in Alien 5. For years she's been hinting that she wants it to happen, I'm sure Fox wants that as well, but wants to round-out their Prometheus sequel first. Here's what Weaver had to say at the Hero Complex Film Festival.

“Had we done a fifth one, I don’t doubt that her humanity would have prevailed. …I do feel like there is more story to tell.”

“I feel a longing from fans for the story to be finished,” she said, adding, “I could imagine a situation where we finish telling the story.”

Ideas and scripts for fifth film has been been kicking around for almost 20 years. You might remember that in Alien Resurrection, Joss Whedon and Fox left a large potential for more films. Leaving the xenomorph-hybrid Ripley clone alive on Earth (Paris, France to be exact) with her new pirate comrades. There had been versions of the script that included xenomorphs being set loose on Earth, which Weaver was very much against. Here's a little quote from Signourney about making a fifth movie.

"We were thinking about doing this fifth one, and I didn't really want to go ahead and do it on Earth," Weaver revealed. "So we kind of left the sentence unfinished. There's something slightly unfinished to me about it. I wasn't too keen to come to Earth. I always feel that science fiction, when it comes to Earth, it's a little [Weaver mimics yawning]. I wanted to go back to the original planet that the space jockey brought the eggs from and go back into the alien world rather than have the alien arrive in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower."

Joss Whedon admittedly started work on writing the next film, it's unknown how much of his work was going to be used in fifth installment. At one point Ridley Scott and James Cameron were willing to partner for Alien 5, Weaver agreed to return as well. Cameron would write-produce (I assume with some help from Whedon?) the film with Ridley set to direct. The studio decided on making Alien Vs Predator instead, and James Cameron walked away completely disgusted by the move. The idea was to have Ripley seek-out the origin planet of the xenomorphs and destroy them completely. You can understand how that idea of the xenomorph planet, may have influenced the concepts for Pandora.

This led to Fox developing the two-part prequel Alien: Origins, which would explore the origins of space jockey alien and where the xenomorphs came from. This was later turned into what we now know as Prometheus, and Fox was able to wrangle Ridley Scott back into the director's chair. I know a lot of people where expecting the first film to answer all their questions, but it was always envisioned as two-parter. Prometheus 2 (Paradise) will likely hold the answers most were assuming would be revealed in the first film.

The ball is in the court of 20th Century Fox, who is seemingly putting all their effort into their X-Men and Avatar franchises. Here is hoping they do the right thing and get this project moving again, as Prometheus has become it's own animal and only slightly connected to the Alien franchise. Fans have been waiting since 1997 for this to happen, let's not let that opportunity just disappear.

SOURCE: LATIMES

Harrison Ford Given An Official Offer For BLADE RUNNER 2

It's looks like everyone is courting Harrison Ford to reprise his old roles. Ford was confirmed for a major lead role in Star Wars: Episode VII (possible sequels too?), and is rumored be involved in the next two Indiana Jones films. The latter the actor has been more vocally enthused about reprising. Another 80's retread is also in development over at Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros., which is a sequel to the cult sci-fi film Blade Runner.

Ridley Scott was confirmed a while back as returning to direct, with a new script being written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green. Ridley has talked about including and reaching out to Harrison to return for the sequel, but it never seemed like sure-thing. Alcon announced they've made an offer to Ford, but aren't confirming it' a done deal.

“We believe that Hampton Fancher and Michael Green have crafted with Ridley Scott an extraordinary sequel to one of the greatest films of all time. We would be honored, and we are hopeful, that Harrison will be part of our project.”

At the moment production start hasn't been figured-out, as Ford will be busy with Star Wars and Ridley possibly with Prometheus 2 (getting rewrite from Michael Green) expected to begin shooting in the Fall or early 2015. It's still early and anything could happen, it's more than likely Harrison will have to turn it down because of other projects. While they could actually work around Ford to get this done.


SOURCE: ALCON ENTERTAINMENT

PROMETHEUS 2 Next For Ridley Scott And Coming March 2016!

It looks like Ridley Scott wasn't blowing smoke up our asses last year, when he talked-up Prometheus 2 (Paradise) being next on his plate. Hinting the second installment in the two-part saga (originally a two-part film when titled Alien: Origins and Carl Rinsch was set to direct) would be next for him. We last heard that Transcendence writer Jack Paglen finished his draft and Scott was teasing a 2015 release date, which according TheWrap is indeed that untitled Ridley Scott project which has the March 3rd, 2016 slot. They also report that shooting will begin this fall, after Scott completes work on the upcoming Moses film Exodus.

Jeff also reveals that Michael Green has been tasked to come-in to add rewrites to the script. Green recently did writes on Ridley's Blade Runner sequel at Alcon. It sounds like Fox and Ridley aren't taking any chances quality-wise by hiring these two sci-fi screenwriters. It seems like Paglen wrote the blueprint and Green will polish, likely with the usual studio notes that are usually associated with an Alien universe script. As Fox and producers have a history of holding a fair-bit of creative control of the franchise, most notably producer/writer Walter Hill.

TheWrap adds that the film will see multiple David androids, who is played by Michael Fassbender. Possibly, the rescue crew or search crew for the missing team, after the events of the first film. We already know that Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and David are on their way to the Engineers' homeworld, other than that we really don't know much of the plot. Having Jeff includes these minor details are stellar since we'll likely be in the dark for the next couple of months.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Did Fox Quietly Announce Ridley Scott's PROMETHEUS 2 Release Date For March 2016?

20th Century Fox also surprisingly announced another untitled film, which will be a Ridley Scott project. Giving the film a March 4th, 2016 release date. While Ridley does have a bunch of projects circling at Fox, one seems to be a giant standout to the others. That being, his Prometheus sequel which is possibly titled Paradise. The project had been fast-tracked after the original writers exited, the studio pushed forward with a new screenwriter. A very similar practice, to how the studio handled their Alien franchise.

Ridley recently confirmed that the script had been completed by Jack Paglen (Transcendence) and even hinted to a 2016 release date. It's very possible that this could be the next project for Scott when he finishes post-production on Exodus. Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace are expected to reprise their roles, it's possible the film won't even go into production until 2015.

Fox Needs To Consider Turning ALIEN ISOLATION Into A Movie

I believe that while Prometheus 2 could be a great step in making more movies set in the established universe, bringing things back to the main Alien saga should become a priority at 20th Century Fox. While another attempt at making Alien 5 would make fans happy I'm not sure that's exactly a good idea.

When it comes to the main Alien series, we have come to an end-pass thanks to the mess of Alien Resurrection. The fourth film was basically the swan song of the series and Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ripley. Weaver made it clear she was against the xenomorphs reaching Earth in Resurrection. The studio agreed and cut a bunch of the original third act Earth scenes out of the film. But Fox would later go on to make two horrible AVP films that explored that premise. Fox would need to sadly move away from Ellen Ripley for a compelling sequel.

Prometheus was an excellent addition to the Alien universe and could very well lead to it's own series of films. We already know that Prometheus 2/Paradise has a completed script from Jack Paglen (Transcendence) and very well could be the next directorial effort from Ridley Scott. This of course could be officially announced when Ridley finishes post-production on Exodus. As the director has all but confirmed Prometheus 2 is next for him.

Granted, Prometheus 2 could jump-start new movies if the film's concept lends to more stories being told, but it's possible they will end at two features. As Prometheus (originally titled Alien Origins) was intended to be made in two parts but the studio decided on making one. In the hopes to gauge audience demand for a second installment. These movies are set 20 years before the events of the first Alien, and by the end of them will likely tie-in into the events of LV-426 (which was the original plan from it's conception).

One way to continue the main Alien franchise is to make a standalone feature. Not to say something that needs sequels but could be a one-off installment within that universe. It was recently announced by Sega that they will be releasing a new Alien game in late 2014. The awesome catch is that Alien: Isolation is based on an original idea, and will focus on Ripley's daughter Amanda. It's being closely put together with the help of the studio, which provided a ton of materials from the original film. The studio is making a live-action Assassin's Creed movie, they might as well adapt a video game property they already own.





The game focuses on Ripley's daughter fifteen years after her mother's disappearance, and is sent to a space station in the hopes to find answers about her mother. Only to find that a xenomorph is aboard the station and the horror begins from there. Besides that, there is little known about the plot. Amanda is employed by the company (Samuels) and seeming is on her own in the game. As much as I want to see Weaver back, continuing the franchise post-Resurrection is a bad idea. Having this new character take her place wouldn't be the worse thing.

Amanda Ripley-McClaren is a canon character (unlike Shaw) and was introduced in James Cameron's Aliens (director's cut). She could make an excellent protagonist and a reasonable way to continue the Ripley name without Weaver or a reboot. I wouldn't mind events from Prometheus leaking into this film as well. Explaining where the aliens come from and if they're on any other planets surveyed by the company. We got the impression that the company knew about the xenomorphs from the get-go which makes Prometheus plausible, having Amanda caught up in similar events also wouldn't be a stretch.

In the director's cut of Aliens we find out that Amanda has died before Ripley was rescued by a salvage crew. It's possible Carter Burke was either telling the truth or actually lied about her death, allowing him to manipulate Ellen later on. Putting into question Amanda's actual fate. We know it's not out the question to have a company member hide information or exploit people to get what they want.

 It's revealed that Burke sent out Newt's parents out to check out the Space Jockey ship leading to the entire colony at Hadley's Hope on LV-426 getting wiped out. He was also planning to sabotage cryotubes on the way home, after setting loose face-huggers on Ripley and Newt. Essentially capable of killing a massive amount of people to get a hold of the xenomorph as a weapon. Lying about Amanda's death or not revealing a previous company mission would be in Burke's wheelhouse. This ruthlessness is a running theme with characters from the company, and I'd love to see another slime-ball (Samuels?) try to talk Amanda into unknowingly taking-on a suicide mission.

So how does Amanda bump into a new xenomorph fifteen years later? That's a great question which hasn't been revealed by Sega, but I would assume that this space station perhaps discovered the one Ripley launched into space in Alien. We've come to understand that they're tough sons-of-bitches and might be able to handle the vacuum of space and could survive it (even for years).

LV-426 might come into play again as the company does eventually colonize the planet, there has to be a point when another ship discovers the beacon or the alien ship. There is also the possibility that LV-426 might not be the only planet with xenomorph eggs on it.

In Prometheus, they sort of setup the idea that LV-223 could end up becoming a ticking time-bomb, with a large supply of black goo still there and a xenomorph-like creature walking around. There are assumptions that the black goo is meant for Earth, but never explained if the Jockeys wanted to turn humans into zombies like Fifield or something else. However, I do expect Weyland Industries will want answers about LV-223 and could send another team out there (possibly rescue or military in nature). This leaves a lot of windows open for Amanda to discover other dangerous things in the Alien universe.

Australian actress Rose Byrne has a striking resemblance to Amanda on the cover of this box art for the game. Rose has been apart more than a few Fox films such as Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later, and X-Men First Class. It doesn't hurt that she's had roles opposite Prometheus' Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Patrick Wilson and Rafe Spall. She could easily be mistaken for Sigourney's daughter making her a believable candidate to play Amanda.

When it comes to a director I can't say I have many names in mind besides Duncan Jones (Source Code, Warcraft). He proved with Moon he can could build a realistic analog science fiction film and do on a strict budget. The film was also an obvious homage to Alien and I can't think of better director that could re-energize the franchise like Duncan could. Jones is also a self-proclaimed video game junkie, so I'm sure he's intrigued about Alien: Isolation like the rest of us. Duncan is also a writer and could give a lot of credibility to the project with his input as a fan and filmmaker.

Aaron Paul Coud Join The Growing Cast Of Ridley Scott's Bible Epic EXODUS Starring Christian Bale And Joel Edgerton

TheWrap reports that Breaking Bad actor has in talks for a high-profile role in Ridley Scott's Exodus which focuses on the tale of Moses. The rest of new the additions include Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver and John Turturro. Paul would play Joshua, the Hebrew slave who led Jews to the promised land and kept a close watch on his friend Moses. Bale will play Moses while Joel Edgerton in the role of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II.

PROMETHEUS Sequel Will Be Penned By TRANSCENDENCE Writer Jack Paglen

20th Century Fox is moving right along with their sequel to Prometheus which is set within the Alien universe and somewhat a prequel as well. The film that is rumored to have working title of Paradise has finally landed a new screenwriter. TheWrap reported a while back that newcomer Jack Paglen will be writing the film (I assume with notes from Ridley Scott and the studio). Jack is best known for the script for Wally Pfister's sci-fi action film Transcendence which has Johnny Depp in the lead.

Damon Lindelof confirmed he wasn't coming back to write the sequel. His rewrites to Jon Spaihts' original script seemingly hurt the film overall when the two scripts were posted online and compared by fans. Let's hope that Jack will have more creative freedom than previous writers (ala Joss Whedon) However, when it comes to the Alien saga Fox has a terrible track record of giving screenwriters breathing room to make one single vision. I'm sure the studio has a release date already in mind and Jack will have to deliver a draft soon. Either way, Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender are attached to reprise their roles.