Ridley Scott on Alien Prequel
It’s no secret that Ridley Scott has been working on making a new Alien prequel. Originally slated to be a film directed by Scott protege Carl Erik Rinsch, Ridley decided to pick up the reins himself, so that Rinsch can spend the time making Small. Since taking on the director’s role for the movie, rumour has it that the prequel will actually be a trilogy. There’s also new details on where the focus is going to be in the prequel…
It’s set in 2085, about 30 years before Sigourney [Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley]. It’s fundamentally about going out to find out ‘Who the hell was that Space Jockey?’ The guy who was sitting in the chair in the alien vehicle — there was a giant fellow sitting in a seat on what looked to be either a piece of technology or an astronomer’s chair. Remember that?
Who doesn’t? I’m kind of torn, since leaving the origin of the Space Jockey a mystery seems appropriate, but any Alien fan would have to admit that there’s a part of them that would like to know that back story. How it’s handled will be interesting, considering that in the Alien storyline, it’s suggested that the Aliens are the only known, well, aliens. And no, Predators don’t count.
In any case, MTV US has an interview with Ridley Scott with more details on the direction it’s going to take, and suggesting a late 2011, or 2012 release. If you’re curious, and don’t mind vague spoilers, just head on over. Just make sure you visit the US site, even though MTV warns you that their site is ‘optimized’ for US viewers…
UPDATE: According to a Collider interview, Scott says it will be two films, and shot in 3D, confirming earlier rumours of the 3rd dimension being added. Could this test the waters for the viability of an R-rated 3D feature?
