A.V. Opinions: Neil Blomkamp’s unmade Alien sequel is a missed opportunity

The “Alien” franchise is one of the most beloved in sci-fi horror, and over the years, it has seen its share of highs and lows. But when news broke that Neil Blomkamp, the visionary director behind “District 9” and “Elysium,” was working on a new “Alien” film, fans were excited. The project promised to be a return to form for the series, bringing back legacy characters while potentially rewriting some of the more controversial elements of the franchise. Unfortunately, the film was ultimately shelved, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.

Blomkamp’s “Alien” was set to be a direct sequel to “Aliens” (1986), effectively bypassing the events of “Alien 3” and “Alien: Resurrection.” This alone was enough to stir excitement, as “Alien 3” is often considered a divisive entry in the franchise, primarily because of its decision to kill off beloved characters like Hicks and Newt off-screen. Blomkamp’s film was going to correct that course, bringing back both Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and Michael Biehn’s Hicks, as well as reintroducing Newt as an adult, played by a new actress. It was a bold move that promised to reconnect with the original magic of the first two films.

Even though the movie never got made, the concept art Blomkamp shared was nothing short of awesome. The designs revealed a grizzled, battle-hardened Hicks, complete with facial scars from his previous encounters with the xenomorphs. Ripley was depicted in a high-tech spacesuit, hinting at her continuing war against the xenomorph threat. The visuals alone suggested a film that would honor the legacy of the franchise while pushing it into exciting new directions.

So why didn’t it happen? In short, Ridley Scott. At the same time that Blomkamp was developing his “Alien” film, Scott was working on what would become “Alien: Covenant” (2017). As the original creator of the franchise, Scott’s project took precedence, and Blomkamp’s film was put on indefinite hold. It’s a decision that still stings for many fans, especially those who felt that Scott’s prequels, while visually stunning, failed to capture the spirit of the original films.

As fans, we’re left with what-ifs and concept art, dreaming of the film that could have been. Blomkamp’s “Alien” was more than just a movie—it was a promise of something great, a return to the roots of a franchise that has meant so much to so many. While it’s unlikely we’ll ever see this film come to life, it will forever remain a beacon of unrealized potential, a testament to what happens when creative vision is left unrealized.

Neil Blomkamp is still a director to watch out for and who has always dared to push the boundaries of science fiction. “District 9” was a game-changer, a film that combined social commentary with high-concept sci-fi in a way that few others have managed. While some of his later films, like “Chappie,” didn’t quite hit the same heights, there’s no denying Blomkamp’s talent and vision. His canceled “Alien” film feels like a missed opportunity not just for fans, but for Blomkamp himself—a chance to cement his legacy within one of the most iconic franchises in film history. In the meantime, we’ll keep looking at those concept designs, imagining the “Alien” sequel that might have been, and hoping that someday, somehow, Blomkamp gets the “Alien” movie he deserves.

-Brad McBoom