Ridley Scott Laments Not Having Ownership Of ‘Alien’ & ‘Blade Runner’ Franchises: “Someone Was Careless”

Ridley Scott has created multiple franchises over the years. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t secure ownership of them. That means, ultimately, he has very little say about what goes on in the “Alien” and “Blade Runner” universes. And that’s something he regrets to this day.

Speaking to THR, Ridley Scott talked about his new film in the “Gladiator” franchise, but he also talked about how he lost the rights to both “Alien” and “Blade Runner.” And he’s pretty bitter over the situation. However, he blames previous management at his Scott Free banner for the terrible business decision. 

READ MORE: 20th Century Studios Working On ‘Alien: Romulus’ Sequel For Cailee Spaeny & Director Fede Álvarez

“I should have locked them up, as [Steven] Spielberg did with ‘Jurassic,’ and everything he does, and James Cameron has done with what he has,” Scott said. “I resurrected a dead ‘Alien’ [franchise] with ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Alien: Covenant,’ and we should have rejoined the ownership right then, and we didn’t because someone was careless.” 

Of course, that doesn’t mean Ridley Scott has been totally boxed out of his “Alien” and “Blade Runner” franchises. Sure, other filmmakers have taken the ball and run with it, but he is often said to be included at various points in development. And folks like “Alien: Romulus” filmmaker Fede Alvarez rely heavily on Scott’s previous work. Unfortunately, he just doesn’t own the rights, and therefore, doesn’t have a controlling interest in what happens, as well as any money that would be earned from the rights. 

READ MORE: ‘Blade Runner 2099’: Hunter Schafer Joins Cast Of Upcoming Prime Video Limited Series

As for what’s on the horizon in those two franchises, it appears an “Alien: Romulus” sequel is in the works with the film’s two stars returning. And with “Blade Runner,” though the ‘2049’ sequel didn’t have a massive box office haul, there is a “Blade Runner 2099” TV series in production right now. So, both franchises seem alive and well.