Sigourney Weaver Says Neill Blomkamp’s ‘Alien’ Sequel Is Still On

When it comes to the Alien and Prometheus franchises, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of what’s going on, which movie is in the works, and how one film relates to another, but thankfully, we have Sigourney Weaver as our voice of reason in this chaos. The actress best known to Alien fans as sci-fi action hero Ripley is coming forward again to assure fans that Neill Blomkamp’s Alien sequel hasn’t been abandoned, even though it seems Ridley Scott’s Prometheus sequel/prequel has taken its spot on the roster.

Sigourney Weaver Talks Alien Sequels And Puts Fans’ Fears To Rest

While Ridley Scott is moving forward with his own Prometheus/Alien project, little has been said about Blomkamp’s Alien sequel, leaving many to wonder if the film is even in development anymore. Weaver, speaking at a recent convention, has given Alien fans reason for hope, responding positively when asked if Neill is still proceeding with his film.

“Ridley asked Neill not to make our Alien ’til after Prometheus 2,” Sigourney revealed. “[Ridley] wanted his movie to shoot and be released first. But it’s an amazing script, and Neill and I are really excited about doing it.”

In fact, Ms. Weaver suggested that Blomkamp’s Alien cast and crew aren’t exactly sitting on their hands while Ridley Scott connects the dots with Prometheus 2. Sigourney seems to suggest that they’re working as much as they can behind the scenes, which may reduce production time when the project is finally ready to officially begin filming.

“We’re doing other things until we can get going on that. I’d be really surprised if we didn’t do it, because it’s such a great script, and we love working together.”

However, having to wait for Ridley Scott’s film will obviously set the timetable for the Blomkamp Alien film back, and Sigourney acknowledges that, though there’s no hiding her excitement about her own Alien sequel’s eventual premiere.

“So it’s just going to take a little bit longer to get out to you, but it’ll be worth the wait,” Weaver teased.

Why Is Ridley Scott Stalling Neill Blomkamp’s Alien Sequel In Favor Of Prometheus?

While some may view the request by Ridley Scott that Neill hold off on his Alien movie until after the release of Prometheus 2, which is actually entitled Alien: Covenant, as nothing more than Ridley wanting to go first, there seems to be a legitimate reason Scott’s request. Alien: Covenant will be a part of a trilogy intended to tie the Prometheus franchise together with the Alien franchise, so it makes logistical sense that Ridley would want Alien: Covenant to see an earlier release than the Blomkamp Alien sequel.

“I’m producing [Blomkamp’s movie]. It’s designed to go next after [Alien: Covenant],” said Scott, confirming the idea that the Alien and Prometheus films have a predetermined order.

Ridley also echoed some of what Sigourney Weaver said in speaking of the promise of a great Alien sequel featuring Weaver’s Ellen Ripley while also confirming that they’re building the franchise from two perspectives.

“[His version] is more associated with Ripley. It’s coming from a completely different angle. It’s kind of more of a sequel… after, after after. I’m coming at it from the back end.”

The Alien producer seems to have been heavily influenced by the success of franchises like Star Wars because his original plan wasn’t to turn Prometheus into a prequel series but to have it branch off in an entirely different direction to tell its own unique story. He now seems to be modeling Prometheus after the Star Wars prequels, building up toward the Sigourney Weaver-driven films with a trilogy of his own.

Alien: Covenant starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, and Demián Bichir is scheduled for an August 4, 2017 theatrical premiere.

[Image by Rob Kim/Getty Images]