Movies
Update: ‘Alien’ Article #2: Official Title ‘Paradise’, More Casting, Remake?
Sigh: Chris Petrikin, senior V.P. of communications at Fox, said this via Twitter last night: “I don’t know where to begin to correct what is being written about a certain Ridley Scott project…” It should be noted we don’t know which report he’s referring to. There’s been a lot of news regarding the development of Twentieth Century Fox’s Alien, which has lead to a series of new developments. The latest comes from the NY Post who discovered that the official working title is now Paradise (although it’s unclear if it’s Alien: Paradise or just Paradise), and that it will actually be a REMAKE, contrary to all of the previous reports. There’s a slew of fresh info that you’ll find beyond the break, including characters and potential casting. What are your thoughts on this breaking news?
From the NY Post:
“We’re told that Paradise reboots the original Alien franchise, in that the story follows a group of space travelers who encounter a monstrous alien creature that picks them off, one by one. Since there’s no working budget yet on the film, formal offers have not gone out to actors, but our spies tell us that several are at the top of Scott’s list for leading roles.
By now, readers of this blog know that Noomi Rapace has been the front-runner for the role of “Elizabeth Shaw,” the film’s main character, but we’ve learned of other parts, too: There’s “David,” who’s actually an android, an earlier version of the Bishop 341-B character that Lance Henriksen famously played in Aliens. We’re told that Scott was interested in Michael Fassbender for the part, but that Fassbender’s reps had sought such an outrageous amount of money for their client that they — forgive the pun — alienated Scott. Of course, there’s still a chance that Fassbender’s reps may salvage the talks, but things haven’t been going so well.
We also hear that Scott hopes to give the part of “Vickers” — a fortysomething, tough-but-sexy woman — to crouching tigress Michelle Yeoh.
There are other interesting roles, including an older businessman along for the ride, but we’re most curious about the part of Engineer 1, who we’re told is to be “played” by a six-foot-five-inch actor, but will actually be entirely CGI, à la Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films.”
What say you?
“Mythic Quest” actor Chase Yi has been cast in a lead role in Paramount and Blumhouse’s new Paranormal Activity movie, Deadline reports this afternoon.
Ian Tuason (Undertone) will direct the eighth installment in the Paranormal Activity film franchise, set to release in theaters May 21, 2027.
As for character details or plot, well, those remain scarce at this stage.
While we wait for further news on whether the demonic Toby will reappear, Tuason previously revealed to Bloody Disgusting that technology will play a huge role in his vision: “Technology — camera technology — has advanced to a point where it’s become a big part of the film and what I want to do there.”
It’s fitting, especially as it was the original Paranormal Activity that inspired the filmmaker’s haunting debut, undertone.
Paranormal Activity, created by Oren Peli, first hit theaters in 2007. Its groundbreaking minimalist approach to found-footage ghost stories has spawned a seven-film franchise that’s grossed nearly $900 million worldwide.
Franchise originator Oren Peli will produce for Solana Films, with James Wan and Jason Blum producing for Blumhouse Atomic Monster. Michael Clear and Judson Scott will exec produce for Blumhouse Atomic, with Alayna Glasthal overseeing the project for the company. Other exec producers include Steven Schneider for Room 101, Inc., Dan Slater and Cody Calahan.
Also on the way soon is the Paranormal Activity stage play.