Alien 5 maybe postponed but it isn’t stopping Michael Biehn dishing out a few more details. Whilst talking to Icons of Fright about his role in the upcoming mobster comedy series, 24 Hour Rental, Michael Biehn (Corporal Hicks from Aliens) talked a little about Neill Blomkamp’s Alien 5:
“They’re planning on bringing me and Newt back and at this point Newt will be around twenty-seven years old. I know that every actress in Hollywood is going to want to play this one, it’s really a passing of the torch between Sigourney and this younger actress who would play Newt.”
I would like to reiterate that whilst Michael Biehn has commented previously that he has not actually seen Neill Blomkamp’s script for Alien 5, he did talk to Blomkamp who gave Biehn a run-down of what he wanted to achieve with Alien 5.
Talking about Alien 5, Michael Biehn (seen here with Al Matthews on the set of Aliens) says: “it’s really a passing of the torch between Sigourney and this younger actress who would play Newt.”
Biehn also commented on the postponement of Alien 5: “I know that Ridley’s focus is on the second PROMETHEUS (now titled ALIEN: COVENANT) and I’m sure that he and Fox both don’t want that and Neill’s movie to come out right next to each other, because they’re kind of two different worlds.”
Alien 5 is currently on hold, pending the release of Alien: Covenant. There has been no further news about the status of Blomkamp’s project since his initial tweet saying that the project was “on hold”. I would like to mention that this was stated as the plan all along, as said by Ridley back in September: “I’m producing it… The design is for it to go out next, after this. This will go out first.”
Be sure to head on over to Icons of Fright to read the entire interview. Thanks to Global Moderator Xenomorphine for the link.
Update: According to a Michael Biehn page on Facebook, Biehn was merely speculating during the Icons of Fright interview: “The press sometimes has a way of misinterpreting what is actually said. When I was interviewed and asked what my thoughts were about the Alien 5 Movie, I was SPECULATING what the Alien 5 story “might” be about. And if i did know the plot point I would certainly not reveal them before the movie was released let alone before it went into production.”
So perhaps the interview was mistranscribed by Icons of Fright as it certainly sounds as if Michael Biehn was talking definitively judging from the text in the interview. Thanks to Foster and SM for the news.
Update #2 – In addition to the above statement from Facebook, The Terminator Fans have also posted an update they obtained from a representative for Michael Biehn: “The interviewer clearly misunderstood the context of Michael’s words and as a result he has sadly been misrepresented, and very much wishes to set the record straight. Anything previously stated was pure speculation on Michael’s part as to where the franchise could possibly head in the future; with ideas that have already been speculated by fans.”
The drink will do that to you.
Such a shame his career just imploded, because he was one of my favourite actors.
This. Hellspawn28 you're right on the money.
Pretty sure it was from an established media news site who claimed they had some "inside knowledge". It wasn't just idle fan speculation.
But anyway, Biehn already previously speculated at the possibility of Newt's inclusion about five months ago:
From 1:50 on in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmUH_eA9VGE
Do you have a source on that? All I know is that Blomkamp asked her how she felt about the films and the character of Ripley, and that's where he got the idea for another story featuring her. I didn't know she didn't want to play the clone. If that's the case, it's truly a shame.
Yup. I'd say that's a pretty accurate description.
Considering it was never actually officially stated or confirmed, I don't consider that it was ever 100% certain. Hence...
...this.
Nothing is out of the question at this point. All we can be certain of right now is 'ALIEN 5' is on hiatus. At best, it's content is 100% Unknown.
I'm waiting for Official Fox announcements. As usual.
-Windebieste.
But are we still certain Blomkamp's movie is still going to ignore Alien 3?
Or jealous he still has that innocence?
Added that statement to the original post too.
Maybe that wasn't just tobacco in my respirator tube.
On behalf of Alien fanboys everywhere, I am ashamed to count you amongst us Perfect-Organism.
Oh man, this is just.. Hah.. No one really knows a damn thing.
http://www.theterminatorfans.com/exclusive-michael-biehn-sets-record-straight-on-alien-5-speculation/
Not sure if it is the guy's true Facebook, but...
http://avp.wikia.com/wiki/Turk
...or Stephen Lang.
Daniel Day-Lewis or this project is dead to me.
Sorry, I can't. But it was a logical assumption all along.
I heard that "passing the torch on to Newt" rumour somewhere before. Cannot remember the source but it was quite a while back. Can you remember anything like that?
If the new film turns out to be a bit rubbish then Fox will just politely ignore it with regards to continuity in any future Alien films.
Just like Prometheus did with the AVP films.
Who do ya reckon should play Turk?
SCIENCE, my friend, science! Maybe it's a social experiment to see how RIpley clone reacts, if she'd be fooled into thinking she's the real Ripley and that Newt survived or something because psychology can be very interesting.
I do believe he's over all that.
*RING! RING!*
Michael Biehn: "Ah! The phone is ringing! It must be my Agent telling me the contracts for 'ALIEN 5' are ready to sign at last! 7 figure paycheck coming up!"
*MB Picks up the phone and answers* "Yes? Michael Biehn speaking..."
Fox Executive: "STFU!"
MB: "Uh... OK." *Hangs up and puts the phone down.* "DAMN! I just blew my paycheck on that interview."
-Windebieste.
Like I said, you don't need the DNA of Rebecca Jordan to experiment. Just do what they did in 'Alien Resurrection' and keep experimenting with Ripley's own "until you get it right". What possible benefit would there be in using Newt's? None, whatsoever.
Not when said conversations involve the director/writer telling you the basic outline specifically to try and get you on board. Hell, not when they tell you the basic storyline, period.
He only needs an NDA when he's been signed up and cast. Until then, he's free to speak - and (assuming he was quoted accurately) exactly what incredibly, mind-blowing secrets has he revealed, which weren't already known about? Newt's back and, well, that's all... It's something we've been wondering about, but I can't imagine that's something which wouldn't be revealed in the first couple of minutes, anyway (or even a few days/weeks into production, when casting calls have gone out).
That isn't something Blomkamp or even Fox has any control over. That's the fandom whipping itself into an unnecessary frenzy in the absence of any real information.
As has been pointed out, that's been the case since 'Alien 3' was released.
No, you wouldn't. You'd be focusing on writing the thing and trying to polish it to be as good as it can be. You wouldn't have control over what others think and the only way to calm everything would be if you revealed your story. There is literally nothing he can do to calm the waters. Most of the argumentative stuff has been from fans coming up with theories of their own making.
I've pointed this out before and will do so again: Blomkmap has already gone on the record as saying his original story was different and took account of 'Alien 3' and such. It was Weaver who changed that.
It's also Weaver who doesn't want to play Ripley's clone.
I'm constantly puzzled at why Blomkamp's copping all the shit for this, when it's Weaver who was the driving force for those changes.
If I had the chance to write and direct an 'Alien' film, I'd make something original, too. If Weaver talked to me and was able to miraculously somehow make it a reality, you can bet I'd change my basic story, too!
And I'm sure that's probably been in at least one of the scripts which, no matter how insightful, Weaver was responsible for saying no to. She doesn't want to reprise Ripley 8. She does, however, want to reprise Ellen Ripley.
https://www.facebook.com/Michael-Biehn-174431302624910/?fref=ts
It certainly wasn't how it read to me. He never mentioned speculating. He spoke as if by fact. I'm not sure if this is his official page or not though. He has so many.
This is the biggest problem. But to build on that, it's also a huge disappointment, if it is successful and it is just mediocre - Yes!!! You have to remember its not only entirely possible that the film is a huge hit, it is even most likely that it is a huge hit and is just somewhat watchable.
This is the worst case scenario for two reasons. First: WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE ALIEN FRANCHISE - This ape-ing a previous film to marginal success is what will always happen next and I thought they had learned their lesson with AVP-R.... Plus, how drastic the changes are from one sequel to the next is one of this series best qualities and its why I actually want an ALIEN 5 to bring that promise further and continue from A:R. A:R sucked but not for this reason. I propose it sucks even more if you retcon now. ALIEN franchise has always been sorta saying: 'Like it or not - this one's a drama!' Or 'Like it or not this one's a comic book!' Or 'This one's an Action Film!' And even with Prometheus, they chose to try Hard Sci-Fi/Adventure. I like that quality in the Alien films, and I hope that is maintained, here (and w/ ALIEN: COVENANT), so I hate hearing people say they want Aliens 2. Because I don't want ANYTHING Part 2. Let it be it's own thing. Of course maybe they will, but from what Blomkamp has said it doesn't sound like it.
The other big issue I take with this is what this would mean, to other franchises of this caliber moving forward. When Jurassic Park or Terminator makes these huge shifts it works because it fits within the confines of what has already happened. Even Halloween, which is NOT on par with ALIEN in terms of its hit-making ability; people sight the ignoring of 4-6, but they don't wipe those sequels out. They just moved forward without acknowledging what happened in them (they couldn't have wiped them out because Dr. Loomis died in Part 6). Alien is a different animal.
I still think the best course of action is to set this film before Alien 3 and have Ripley get into those pods with two other characters in an attempt to trick the Company into thinking Newt and Hicks are dead for some important reason. I can ignore the age issue provided they take some precautions.
Indeed. A retcon would create a mess of things and squander some great possibilities. I could see a fifth film beginning with Ripley 8 wandering about space without a clear purpose, before deciding to investigate her past and, eventually, taking on the company (whatever company) to get rid of the aliens once and for all. The character could change throughout the story, becoming more and more "human" through her connection with the past. The film could even feature references to Newt and Hicks, which could make for some fairly dramatic scenes. An existentialist undercurrent could be integrated into the story, making the film a sort of "genetic sibling" of Alien 3, only without all the complaints about sudden deaths of beloved characters.
Shouldn't be much of a challenge.
The fan base has always been this divided since Alien3.
You've just sold me on the retcon.
Or maybe to link the films more closely.
So far we have a greenlit film and affirmative comments from Blomkamp, Weaver, Biehn, and even Ridley Scott. Yeah, what are people thinking?
It's obvious you really, really don't want to believe what Biehn is saying, but demonizing the man for it is just silly.
I believe when a fan base is divided to this extent then something is wrong. Very, very wrong with such a proposal.
If I was in Blomkamp's shoes, I'd be investing in getting as much of this fan base on side as much as possible. To me, that would mean re-assessing his outline for the movie and making some much needed compromises.
I've said this before but I think most fans would love a sequel to 'ALIENS' that didn't retcon the latter movies in the series. If fans want an 'ALIENS' sequel, then by all means why does it have to perform any retcon at all? It's a simple matter of framing the events of a sequel within the same time frame as 'ALIEN 3' but use a fresh cast of characters without attempting to shoe horn deceased favourites back into the series. Isn't that what most of us want? A fresh entry in the series where marines are pitted once again against xenos? It doesn't realy matter who's starring in the movie and holding down the pulse rifle triggers as long as the story is engaging and the characters are worthy of our commitment to them.
Does it really matter if it's Ripley and Hicks or someone else? I personally feel there's more to be gained by such a movie without those characters making top heavy appearances. One that respects all that has gone before. Right now, I only foresee problems with Blomkamp's current proposal and Biehn is asserting them.
If Blomkamp really wants to make a serious 'ALIENS' sequel, sure, I'd love to see it. I just don't see the need to divide the Community unnecessarily just to exercise this spiteful action towards the latter 2 movies, both of which have their own legion of fans. Fans that could easily be won over and be supportie of a tangential 'ALIENS' sequel that doesn't arbitrarilly dispose of their favourite movies in the series. These peoples' concerns are just as valid as anyone elses; but right now Blomkamp and Biehn just want to kick them in the teeth with this proposal for an unproven retcon. These fans will be won over so easily if their favourite movies have retained a status of legitimacy for 2 decades.
Blomkamp can unite this community with an 'ALIENS' sequel that omits Ripley and Hicks and have 90% (just my guess) of us on side; or he can minimise that percentge substantially by including these 2 characters in what amounts to a vengeful act of vilification. There's a sizeable gap he can close just by realising how much we all want to have all of our movies of choice respected.
Right now. I can't support it. I know others who don't either. If Blomkamp and Co. want to win me over with this current proposal, it has to be the most impressive movie in this series made to date. I don't believe that's an order they can deliver. It's just not possible.
Gah... long post. Sorry 'bout that.
-Windebieste.
That's the real pressure for this sequel as far as I'm concerned. It's all well and good assuming you can better those sequels. You need to make sure you actually do to make this worth it.
The thing you need to realise is some people don't want that. Just because you think it's a brilliant idea doesn't mean everyone agrees.
It's all well and good saying "Well you've still got your Alien 3 DVD blah blah blah..." but writing off the later films is more than just making a different sequel. It means none of the plot threads/characters/events/whatever from the third and fourth films will ever be followed up ever again. There was room to do some really interesting stuff there - Morse, even Ripley 8 - but that'll all be scrapped if the new movie is just a retcon, and worse if it's a shit retcon they've just f*cked themselves out of some interesting opportunities with the existing continuity.
Just to clarify and I know it'll only add fire to your own scepticism but this wasn't a one-on-one with me. It was during a talk at the event. He was asked about his involvement with the project. He said at the minute he'd only talked with Blomkamp who explained the basic premise and intent to him.
I understand your scepticism, I do but if Biehn was trying to use this as some ploy to raise his profile to get attention for the film, it'd be a terribly bad way to do. Personally I wouldn't be surprised if it was just another way for Blomkamp to get information out there to the ether considering I suspect the reaction to his concept art was largely what got the film greenlit in the first place.
I don't doubt that Biehn has spoken to Blomkamp. Considering his likeness and character was used in some of the concept art, it's quite reasonable to assume that he would be in the next film. I also don't doubt any of these details because it's what we've suspected all along.
I can't say I've ever seen her in a film but she certainly looks the part. Her's was a name I heard bandied about a lot for the idea of playing Newt.
Yeah, this^
In all likelihood this movie isn't going to happen. Once films are in development hell they tend to stay there. So many things could happen before this film is supposed to enter production (Alien: Covenent could completely bomb as could Blompkamps new film he's working on) that would derail the whole thing.
He has a more respectful attitude to unauthorised public declarations. Not a single reveal. No spoilers. Just discussion about what he can't say; and what he can't say about what he can't say.
Hamill is behaving in a Professional manner in this regard - Biehn is not.
-Windebieste.
Yeah... sometimes life can be a prison.
A cold, hard truth.
Love hurts, don't it?
I remember someone saying Toho doesn't care about Godzilla and it's kinda true. They only care enough because they get rich from the name and idea, but should someone else use it, they won't sue them because "they stole our Godzilla", but "because what they make could disturb our profits".
Caring is for us fans.
I don't think Fox cares too much about continuity, even when attempting to clean things up.
Shit, look at the X-Men movie franchise which Fox has been doing.. Sure, they rectified everything but even then there are continuity issues with Days of Futures past. Bolivar Trask who was portrayed by Bill Duke in X3: X-Men United was suddenly turned into the white midget dude from Game of Thrones. Even Bryan Singer admitted that was a mistake and Fox didn't care.
Because continuity, that's why.
If they're gonna turn this into the Walking Dead by bringing back dead characters, I might as well make it fit into one continuity no matter how absurd my excuse sounds.
And that's the thing, "until you get it right", Weyland-Yutani didn't get it right.