As of this writing there are a few things certain in the world of Alien. Neill Blomkampp has a concept in mind for a new sequel that would star both Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn. There’s a ton of artwork to prove it, not to mention the dozens of stories posted in the past few weeks in which Weaver and Blomkamp go on the record about plans for the “final” film.
20th Century Fox is behind it, and Blomkamp is officially signed on to develop it. Read that sentence again. This does not guarantee a thing. This does not promise that Blomkamp’s eventual sequel will get greenlit, it also does not guarantee Weaver’s return as Ripley. It sure as hell doesn’t lock in the resurrection of Biehn’s Corporal Hicks. All this means is that he’s being paid to officially develop it.
While Weaver is on the front lines promoting Chappie, in theaters Friday, Biehn is attending conventions and charging for autographs while he produces low budget horror films. He’s been very open about his pain in being left out of Alien3, and claims to have been promised a lengthy career as Hicks. It’s quite possible that this could become a reality, and Biehn himself is telling fans that he’s been in contact (with whom?)
Bloody reader Michael McCarthy was nice enough to send me this Reddit thread in which ‘Sskywarpe’ tells the site of his encounter with Biehn.
I’m at Pensacon, just now gave Michael a Reece ReAction figure, said “This is yours… one question, have you been contacted for Alien 5?” He looked at me, smiled and said, “Yes.” Holy… shitake…
To play devil’s advocate for a second, and not to shit on the parade, but he still has to make a deal with Fox in order to return. Shit, Blomkamp still has to write a script! It’s fun to hear him say he’ll be back, and we would all love that, but let’s hit the brakes for a second and wait to see if the new Alien even gets greenlit first…
