The Flickering Myth team react…
It all started with some concept art, then some chat from Sigourney Weaver the director himself and then the full confirmation. Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Chappie) will be helming a new Alien movie. But what did the Flickering Myth writing staff think of this news?
Chris Cooper: If it includes Ripley and Hicks, I am all over it.
Rob James Kojder: Sure, Blomkamp has made one great movie and one decent movie. Chappie looks alright but it’s District 9 all over, just with robots. His narratives are rather one-note themes of oppression that are getting stale. So in that regard, hopefully he uses this Alien movie to break out of that shell.
Gary Collinson (editor-in-chief): I guess if they’re going to make another Alien movie, there are definitely worse choices than Neill Blomkamp to direct. The possibility of seeing Michael Biehn back as Hicks was the only thing that excited me about the original news and concept art. I still haven’t got over what they did to him and Newt with Alien 3.
Rob James Kojder: The possibility of seeing Michael Biehn in 2015 period is exciting.
Tom Roach: Blomkamp is a very competent filmmaker and the genre suits him. I’m sure he will make a great Alien movie.
Helen Murdoch: Think this will be fantastic! Blomkamp is a visionary sci-fi director and I can’t think of anyone better to reinvigorate the Alien franchise.
Kris Wall: Aliens is my favourite movie of all time and Blomkamp is one of my favourite newer directors. Really liked his concept art and the idea that Hicks will be coming back so my anticipation levels are pretty stratospheric right about now.
Luke Owen (Deputy Editor): I’m no fan of Blomkamp. I thought District 9 was rather average and pretty over-rated, and Elysium was just a bit rubbish. Chappie looks like it could have its moments, but that remains to see. As for Alien, I’m glad to see a new film is going into production and I was intrigued by the concept art he put forward so we’ll see. There’s a lot of mileage to be found in the franchise and after Alien3, Alien: Resurrection, the two pants AVP movies and Prometheus, it could do with a swift kick in up the arse. Cautiously optimistic.
Kat Kourbeti: I vehemently dislike reboots, so I’m hoping this won’t be one. Blomkamp’s work so far does not inspire confidence – Elysium was pretty terrible, and if that’s anything to go by, then I’m not jumping on the bandwagon just yet.
Martin Carr: I think there is promise here.
Anghus Houvouras: I’ll consider not calling Blomkamp a one trick piny when he can make a movie that doesn’t involve a mechanical exoskeleton. I get why people were excited about Deadpool after seeing test footage, but what about that concept art generates excitement? I don’t understand the fervor. Then again, I’m the guy who prefers Alien3 to Aliens.
Chris Cooper: There had to be one
Luke Owen: And like Highlander, there can only be one.
Anthony Donovan Stokes: I can’t wait to see how he shoehorns in allegories about the disparity between the rich and the poor.
David Fleming: I just want to see the Alien and facehugger again. I’ll take a bloody sit com at this stage. Ripley and Xenomorph: the original odd couple.
Villordsutch: I’m not getting excited just yet. I wasn’t overly impressed with District 9 and with Chappie – albeit looks rather cool – it still looks like a next generation Short Circuit at it’s core. I think 20th Century Fox watched the rabid fever generate from Blomkamp’s Instagram pictures and the dollar signs appeared in-front of their eyes; they’re clearly hoping the fan base will bring home the xenomorphic bacon.
Tom Jolliffe: If it’s got anything to do with that concept art leaked a while back then I’m on board (without expecting it to come anywhere close to the first 2). I loved District 9, but Elysium was a bit lazy and a bit dull.
Ben Rayner: Sounds like I’m in the minority but I for one really enjoyed District 9 and Elysium and am really excited to see what Blomkamp will do with the Alien franchise! Can’t be any worse than Prometheus at the very least!
Anthony Donovan Stokes: You’re not in the minority, I thought District 9 was great.
Kris Wall: So much dislike for Elysium, feels like I watched a completely different film!
Rohan Morbey: Another once-great movie series now well past its best being given the refresh treatment by the director of Elysium? Studio interference abound from day 1? A probable new trilogy which means no resolution for 5-6 hours of run time spread over 3-4 years? And a sequel to Prometheus to add to the mix? Sounds like I’m a fan, doesn’t it?
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So, a fairly mixed bag of opinions on the news. What did you think of the news of Neill Blomkamp directing a new Alien movie?
Originally published February 20, 2015. Updated January 18, 2020.
