No matter how many fans and critics openly ask for him to stop, it appears that Ridley Scott is still deadset on making more ‘Alien’ films. And even though his previous entry in the franchise, “Alien: Covenant,” aimed to tie together the previous films with his new prequel story started in “Prometheus,” the film failed to live up to the hype, with many thinking the sci-fi horror series was officially dead. Well, according to a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Scott thinks ‘Alien’ is ripe for evolution.
The history of the ‘Alien’ film franchise is pretty incredible, as an example of all the highs and lows of big studio filmmaking. You have the iconic first film, featuring a young director making a name for himself with a unique concept and incredible VFX. Then the sequel ups the ante, turning the franchise into an action-adventure series with muscle-bound soldiers and big guns. The third film is an example of a Snyder Cut situation well before the Snyder Cut existed, with David Fincher’s vision being completely altered. The fourth film? Well, let’s not talk about that. It’s the clear “jump the shark” moment for the franchise. Then there are the spin-offs with the ‘Predator’ franchise that are pretty meh.
But Ridley Scott eventually returned with “Promethues,” an honest attempt to build the mythology of the ‘Alien’ universe while also offering a new spin on the genre. Though it has lofty ambitions, the film doesn’t necessarily succeed and is nothing more than just a decent sci-fi film and a below-average ‘Alien’ film. ‘Covenant,’ on the other hand, was supposed to be the film that saved the franchise, with Scott learning from the “Prometheus” mistakes and kickstarting a new era for ‘Alien.’ Unfortunately, the film isn’t great (though I find it far better than the hyperbolic discussion would have you believe) and the franchise sputtered.
Now, it appears that Ridley Scott thinks the ‘Alien’ franchise is ready for another round, but there has to be a re-evolution.
“I still think there’s a lot of mileage in ‘Alien,’ but I think you’ll have to now re-evolve,” the filmmaker explained. “What I always thought when I was making it, the first one, why would a creature like this be made and why was it traveling in what I always thought was a kind of war-craft, which was carrying a cargo of these eggs. What was the purpose of the vehicle and what was the purpose of the eggs? That’s the thing to question — who, why, and for what purpose is the next idea, I think.”
This explanation is likely the best one I’ve read for why “Prometheus” and ‘Covenant’ exist. However, for that reason, it’s also a good indicator of why those films failed to connect with fans that want more Xenomorph action. But hey, maybe if he tries again to re-invent ‘Alien,’ he’ll be able to stick the landing. As a huge fan of the franchise, I can only hope.
