Is Alien 5 still happening? Neill Blomkamp, the filmmaker who made ripples in the Alien fandom years ago when he unveiled secret concept art for his all but shelved Alien 5 project has once again stirred up excitement and enthusiasm by cryptically releasing two new pieces of Alien 5 concept art through his personal Instagram account. The two new pieces showcase a soldier's perspective facing a terrifying Xenomorph in an air shaft and the second piece is of a USCM Dropship - identical to the ones shown in James Cameron's ALIENS, check them out:
What does this mean? We're not entirely sure. We know Fox had plans to revisit Blomkamp's Alien project at one point but were waiting for Ridley Scott's Prometheus trilogy to run its course first. However, since Disney acquired Fox's film assets including the Alien franchise, rumors have surfaced that Disney plans to shelve the Alien: Covenant sequel. Although this rumor remains unconfirmed, the likelihood of Disney pursuing Alien 5 seem more likely given their obsession with nostalgia-driven sequels and spin-offs (ie. Star Wars).
Blomkamp sharing these images may be the first step in announcing his project's revival under the franchise's new leadership. Regardless, we'll keep you posted as new developments surface.
Neill Blomkamp's Alien 5 project was inevitably canceled following the merger between 20th Century Fox and Disney. Blomkamp had hoped to revive characters Hicks and Ripley for a new film, rewriting the Alien timeline, chalking up Alien 3 and Resurrection to mere bad dreams. Studio executives decided to can the project and instead took the franchise in a new direction, tapping Fede Alvarez to direct Alien: Romulus.
Neill Blomkamp's Alien 5 is indefinitely shelved.
