March 07, 2012I'd rather see Weyland (the company) doing something somewhat expected as opposed to some other unknown company funding and performing the mission. It's more believable that way. Besides, no government agency (NASA) will ever be bold enough to do it.
Even though terraforming wasn't in Alien, the company name was. I expect this is one of several things Ridley may not have liked, but realized making all new antagonists would be more confusing than not. He might not have liked Cameron's vision, but if Weyland was going to be part of the plot he really had no choice. Some parts need to be somewhat familiar, if for no other reason to save time explaining things.
The TED footage wouldn't have made as much impact if the company was just building interstellar mining colonies and robots, IMHO. "If you'll indulge me, I'd like to dig holes on other planets with toasters". It's just not big enough for the ego of the character that I hope Mr. Weyland will be. Obviously, his greed and arrogance will be the driving force in the assumed conflict.