Fox Wants Ridley Scott to Direct Alien Prequel
Jun 9, 2009 by Ross MillerIt was announced last month that another Alien movie was in the works, with initial word stating that it would be a reboot. However, not …
It was announced last month that another Alien movie was in the works, with initial word stating that it would be a reboot. However, not long after that announcement, word came that the next Alien would be a prequel and not a reboot as previously reported. On top of that, brothers Ridley (who directed the original Alien) and Tony Scott were to be attached as producers, with commercials director Carl Erik Rinsch at the helm.
However, even though the project still seems to be a-go, the big guns at 20th Century Fox are reportedly not happy with Ridley not directing the Alien prequel.
The Scott brothers may have given their blessing to Rinsch to direct the Alien prequel, but apparently Fox isn’t so keen on the idea. From Entertainment Weekly (via The Playlist) – from a report yet to be published online – comes the word that Fox isn’t “interested in green lighting the project unless [Ridley] Scott directs himself.” And since Fox (not the Scott brothers) own the rights, this disagreement with the choice of director presents a little bit of an issue, I’d say!
And the situation only gets more awkward: not only is Carl Rinsch part of RSA Pictures (a Scott brothers’ production company), he is also (allegedly) romantically involved with Ridley’s daughter Jordan. I guess, then, the comment made by Tony Scott about Rinsch being “one of the family,” wasn’t just referring to the business side of things… How thick is blood compared to movie contracts?
Will Ridley Scott have to direct the Alien Prequel?
Although I would be okay with the idea of Rinsch directing the Alien prequel (check out his “Evolution of Technology” ad as proof he’s got talent), if I had the choice I would much rather have Ridley Scott directing again. After all, he was the one who gave us Alien in the first place, and if the movie is still moving forward as a prequel, then Ridley seems best fit to give us a look at what came before his original vision.
As fellow Screen Rant writer Kofi Outlaw said, a prequel to Alien could very easily ruin the mystery of just what the hell those aliens are exactly. But it’s a risk I’d personally be willing to take as a viewer, if it means we get a prequel and not a damn remake/reboot – or worse, another lackluster AVP-type spinoff.
What do you think about the apparent upset of Fox wanting Ridley Scott to direct the Alien prequel? Would you rather Ridley came back to the franchise? Or should some new blood (maybe Carl Rinsch?) have a go at it?
Hopefully the Alien prequel makes it to a release date.
Sources: EW (via ThePlaylist) and /Film
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hmmm.
It would appear the ball is in Ridleys court.
As much as I don’t like the idea of making a prequel(or a reboot), I would think this is the best idea to bring Scott back.
First I thought it weird that Fox would care that much about bringing the original director back, usually they have no problem bastardizing a franchise over and over again, then i realized their motives must be an alien movie with ridley scott directing would bring in more box office revenue…Whew that was a close one I almost gave kudos to Fox for a second.
Ok now we are cooking!!! Looks like maybe Fox DID learn some lessons from their “Aimed to Axe Body Spray wearing, hip Hop morons, video game cut scene- short attention span, wanna be UFC make believe tough guy, MTV, CW, DUMMIES” Terminator Salvation poopoo!!
See A real Director, in fact arguably Sci-Fi’s best. Real writers. And hopefully a real cast and not just a bunch of Abercrombie United Colors of Benaton Vapid dopes.
Ah-HA, so Carl is dating Ridley’s daughter, I see!
That commercial was pretty to look at, and it shows that Mr. Carl Rinsch does have an idea how to make stunning visuals. But that does not mean he can handle a full feature film.
A director not only has to make the atmosphere look pretty but also tell a story and work with the actors.
Greatest example is Michael Bay, he makes things look pretty and great but are the stories spectacular, or the way he handles actors? That is the problem with the majority of commercial directors. There are some that break the mold like Sir Ridley & Tony Scott, but majority of time its style over substance.
I wouldn’t want a prequel, takes the mystery out of knowing where these creatures came from. You dont have to reveal everything.
I thought the same thing, Seth.
At first I thought Fox actually gave a damn about the movie. But if Ridley’s handpicked Rinsch than I think he’s a safe bet.
I want ridley Scott too but if he says this guy is good enough than fox shouldn’t bitch. They should let ridley make the decision. And we all know he won’t direct.
Much rather see Scott do it himself. Would feel more sure of the prequel being compatible with the first.
In saying that, he has messed about with Bladerunner too much for my liking and he wouldn’t be the first director to ruin his old work by going back to it. Also, some of his recent movies I’ve not taken to (eg. Kingdom of Heaven)
But still, be great to see him recapture that old form of his. Also, if he is in charge then there will be a story to tell. Unlike most prequels that just like to fill the gaps and walk away.
What I find most amazing is that Fox basically want what the fans want, Ridley back at the wheel, even though it’ll probably cost them more, I’d have thought Fox would be happy just with the “name recognition” of the Alien brand and left it at that.
maybe Fox is under the impression that the Alien franchise is not a standalone prospect unless Scott is at the helm.
glad to hear the Fox still cares about the quality of some projects and wants Scott. Either way, it sounds to me like its in fairly good hands even is the Scott brothers are on the set as producers they will still be contributing a lot to the project.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS FILM WILL BE CALLED? ALIEN:ORIGINS, ALIEN BEGINS, OR WILL THE NAME ”ALIEN” EVEN BE IN THE TITLE?
As much as i want to see another alien movie, and a prequel would make sense. But I wonder, will it take away the mystique/mystery that is the alien creature?
I personally always wanted to know how that alien ship landed on lv4-26. At fist i had speculated before AVP even came out that it was a predator, but further study of the body mummified on the ship does not resemble a predator. So in a Alien Prequel yes i would love to see.
Hello again. I submitted a message a couple of days ago?
I mentioned an ‘Alien’ screenplay. Not seen it come up yet.
Is it because you might have FOX breathing down your neck?
If so, I apologise unreservedly for my previous message.
I will not post another comment after this.
My writer relative says he will flay me alive if I do.
Oh, yeah and then kill me after if I’m still alive.
Goodbye. No more carrots and onions.
@Adrian
You did that via the Contact Us page and I believe I replied to you via email.
Vic
Oh, sorry, Vic. Just seen your message here. I’ll get back home
pronto and find your response. Thanx. Been away a few days.
P.S Yep, I said ‘no more carrots etc’, but just wanted to say
cheers.