Prequel to ‘Alien’ Growing in FOX’s Stomach

Published by Jeff Leins on: May 28th, 2009

In an April interview with IESB, Fox executive Tom Rothman revealed plans to revisit the Alien series.  Rothman told the site there was “some talk” of a prequel and the original’s director, Ridley Scott, was said to be “toying around with the idea” of returning to the franchise.  Four films were made in the Alien series alone and two failed projects involving Predators.  The news of another Alien came around the time Robert Rodriguez announced plans to restart that science fiction franchise with a film called Predators.

According to Bloody-Digusting, the Alien prequel is happening with Ridley Scott, his brother Tony Scott, and Michael Costigan (Body of Lies, The Taking of Pelham 123) serving as producers.  The movie would tell the origins of the creatures and bring a “new Ripley” to the screen (meaning no Sigourney Weaver).  One alien.  One spaceship.

The source also says Carl Rinsch has been attached as the director.  Who is Carl Rinsch?  Well, he currently serves as a commercial/music video filmmaker and does some work for Scott Free Productions (Ridley and Tony’s company).  To take a look at Rinsch’s commercial special effects, head on over to Slashfilm’s comprehensive list.

The Alien series (sans predators) has been a popular place for great directors to make a name for themselves.  The first was of course Ridley Scott, then James Cameron made Aliens, followed by David Fincher on Aliens 3, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet shot the final movie, Alien: Resurrection.  You may not recognize the last name there, but his next film was the French movie Amelie.  Maybe we don’t know Rinsch now, but he seems to be joining a talented list of directors and is being backed by Ridley Scott himself.

Let’s face it, Fox probably would have made a prequel any way.  It has to be somewhat of a relief that they’re looking to top producers for help in milking their properties.  By the way, three days ago marked the 30th anniversary of the original’s theatrical release.