This past weekend Michael Biehn gave fanzine update on Neill Blomkamp’s Alien, telling fans at the Sheffield Film and Comic Con that he’s been talking with the director about the film, although he hasn’t seen a script nor has he officially been offered the role of Corporal Hicks. Our previous post laid out the reasons why we think this film could’ve possibly entered the so-called “developmental hell”, which would be rather heartbreaking. However, that might not necessarily be the case…

While Twentieth Century Fox is still hot on the project, our sources tell us that they’re being forced to hold off until after Ridley Scott gets into production on his long-gestured Prometheus sequel. This means a lengthy development process for Blomkamp’s Alien, and a potential release in 2018.

“Alien 5 is still very much in the works, as Fox remains hot on the idea,” our regular tipster tells us. “Blomkamp continues to work on the script (only an outline existed previously) and refine the tale he is telling. Ridley Scott is still producing, but has insisted on Prometheus 2 being made first.”

Blomkamp will continue to slowly prep Alien 5 while Scott goes off and makes Prometheus 2 early next year.

But there’s an even larger roadblock that’s being avoided by the feet dragging. Our insider says the “delay” will allow Blomkamp more time to develop his project and afford him the ability to work around any scheduling issues that may arise in reference to Sigourney Weaver’s involvement with James Cameron’s Avatar sequels.

If all goes well, Blomkamp will likely shoot Alien 5 sometime in 2017, ahead of a release the following year. So that gives fans a one-two punch of Scott’s Prometheus 2 in 2017 and Blomkamp’s own Alien film in 2018.

Things are subject to change, of course, but this is the current plan, so says our source.

Additionally, while Biehn is adamant that the new entry into the franchise will ignore Alien3 and Alien: Resurrection, our source thinks that might not be the case, stating that they’re, “…not sure if Biehn’s assertions about it ignoring 3 & 4 are accurate. It’s basically far too early to tell on that front right now.”

I’ll happily wait three years for a new Alien film, especially if it means that a lot of time will be invested into hammering out details and ensuring that there’s a strong script and story for us to enjoy.

Alright people, looks like it’s time to enter the cryotubes and get some sleep. This is gonna be a long wait.