This time, it's Blomkamp

Funny how things work out.

A few weeks ago, director Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium) shared some concept art via Instagram of a film he was developing for the Alien franchise. Striking images of Ripley, the derelict ship, of a scarred Hicks, somehow having miraculously avoided the unjust demise he suffered in Alien³. Of Weyland-Yutani still up to their nefarious shenanigans.

His tone was wistful, as it seemed the development ship had already sailed and that Fox didn't care to journey where the visionary filmmaker had wanted to go.

But reaction to that concept art (below) was palpable, as it seemed that Blomkamp shared a vision with many fans of the core icons that they loved and that this was the sequel they'd been pining for, rather than Alien³ and Resurrection, generally considered lesser entries. The enthusiasm for Blomkamp's ideas became almost a visual Kickstarter across social media to the point that Fox had to wonder, "Maybe we've got something here..."

Now today comes word from Blomkamp that it's actually happening, presumably with Sigourney Weaver's involvement. It's worth noting that Weaver has a prominent role in Blomkamp's Chappie, which opens next month. Word suggests that she and the filmmaker had some very tangible conversations together that shaped the evolution of an Alien chapter that would satisfy them both, as well as the droves of fans who felt Ripley's story never got the proper resolution.

Pretty exciting and fascinating news. 

Stay tuned as more details...burst forth.