Some newly emerged artwork offers another glimpse at theAlienmovie that could have been hadDistrict 9director Neill Blomkamp gotten his way. Showing the return of Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Hicks (Michael Biehn), and more, the atmospheric artwork reminds us all why Blomkamp’s plans forAlien 5never coming to fruition is one of the biggest and most disappointing misses in sci-fi cinema.
As demonstrated by the newly released concept art,Alien 5would likely have ignored the events of 1992’sAlien 3and thereby resurrect fan-favorite characters Hicks and Newt. The story would have focussed on older versions of the characters, which again is clear in the artwork, also returning to the atmospheric scares of the first and second movies while opening up the scope of the universe just a little bit.
Neill Blomkamp’s Alien 5 was greenlit by Foxat one stage, with 20th Century Fox confirming this and revealing that Blomkamp’s movie would be a sequel to the original fourAlienoutings. Sigourney Weaver subsequently indicated that she would be willing to participate in anAlienproject directed by Blomkamp, despite having stated in the past that she would only want to return as Ripley for James Cameron or Ridley Scott. So, while the concept changed several times following some input from Weaver on the set of Blomkamp’s dystopian adventureCHAPPiE, and following a meeting between Blomkamp and Ridley Scott, things were looking up forAlien 5.
Sadly, things came to a crashing half when the project was cancelled in 2015, with Blomkamp announcing via social media that the project had been put on hold; “alien is kinda holding/ pending prometheus 2. So I shall be working on other things…as much as I love the xeno- and Lt ripley.” While not much else is known about his ideas forAlien 5(the movie was rumored to be titledAlien: Awakening) the artwork is certainly a promising glimpse into what could have been.
Speaking of science fiction sequels that fans have been asking for, Neill Blomkamp did announce earlier this year that he is finally working on bringingDistrict 9follow-upDistrict 10to the big screen. It has now been 12 years since the alien refugee known as Christopher promised to return in three years at the end of Blomkamp’s sci-fi action/social commentary masterclass. That’s a lot of waiting, but finally, Blomkamp teased the arrival of long, long awaited sequel,District 10, with the filmmaker confirming on social media that he is currently working on the script. “District 10screenplay also being written by @sharlto @territatchell and I. Its coming…” Blomkamp revealed back in February.
Neill Blomkamp’s next project, the supernatural horrorDemonicis due for release later this year and tells the story of a young woman who unleashes terrifying demons when supernatural forces at the root of a decades old rift between mother and daughter are ruthlessly revealed. The movie was shot last year amid the ongoing global situation and will receive a theatrical release on August 24, 2025, before going to video on demand a week later on June 15, 2025.
While it seems very unlikely, couldAlien’snew owners, The Walt Disney Company, bring backNeill Blomkampand allow him to finally realize his vision? For now, you may check out more concept art courtesy ofartist Geoffroy Thoorens.
