Summary
With both franchises back at the top of their game, Fede Álvarez teases his idea for a potentialAlien vs. Predator 3. Initially finding life as a comic book series, the crossover between the two iconic sci-fi properties made its way to the screen with2004’sAlien vs. Predator, in which a group hired by Weyland CEO Charles Bishop Weyland become embroiled in a centuries-old war between the titular species. Though poorly received by critics, it was a box office hit, leading to a 2007 sequel, which performed even worse in its reviews and at the box office, shelving hopes for a potential third installment.
During a recent interview withDeadlineto promoteAlien: Romulus' release, Álvarez was asked his thoughts about a potentialAlien vs. Predator 3. The writer/director confirmed his interest in making the crossover threequel, going on to pitch the idea of teaming up withPrey’s Dan Trachtenberg to co-write and co-direct the movie in the same way Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez collaborated onFrom Dusk ‘till Dawn. Check out what Álvarez said in the quote and video below:
Maybe it’s something I have to co-direct with my buddy Dan. Maybe we should do like Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez did withDusk Till Dawn.I’ll direct a half, and he’ll direct another half. It depends on how well this (Romulus) does, if people want to see that.
Álvarez’s Alien Vs. Predator 3 Plan May Be The Best Way To Redeem The Franchise
At the time of the crossovers’ releases, both theAlienandPredatorfranchises had largely become dormant following the lackluster performances ofAlien: ResurrectionandPredator 2. In the years following the 2007 sequel’s release, both properties attempted to make comebacks in theaters, with 2010’sPredatorsand 2018’s Shane Black feature proving to only be modest hits, while Ridley Scott’s return withPrometheusandAlien: Covenantsaw generally positive reviews, but also only performed modestly at the box office.
While it was unclear if the xenomorph-focused series would ever make a comeback,Alien: Romulushas garnered the franchise’s best reviews since Scott and James Cameron’s beloved originals, and Trachtenberg’sPreyactually became the best-reviewed yet. WithRomulusalso on track for a strong box office opening, now may ultimately be the best time for 20th Century and Disney to revisit theAlien vs. Predatorfranchise, and Álvarez’s idea of a joint collaboration between him and Trachtenberg may actually be the best way to redeem the crossover series.
8 Reasons Alien: Romulus' Reviews Are So Positive
Alien: Romulus’ reviews are in, with critics describing Álvarez’s film as the best Alien movie since James Cameron’s Aliens and a return to the form.
It’s clear that both Álvarez and Trachtenberg have an appropriate grip on their respective franchises, particularly since thelatter is developing both aPrey 2and another standalone entry withBadlandsand eyeing Elle Fanning to star. Combining their creative talents for anAlien vs. Predator 3could not only offer audiences a thrilling collision of the Predators and xenomorphs once again, but also a more compelling one with properly developed characters and story. Given Disney also trusted Álvarez’s vision forAlien: Romulusenough to bring it to theaters rather than its original Hulu release, his interest may be the push the studio needs to consider it.
