Alien Vs. Predator 3 Idea Pitched By Romulus Director: "If People Want To See That"

With both franchises back at the top of their game, Fede Álvarez teases his idea for a potential Alien 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 with 2004’s Alien 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 with Deadline to promote Alien: Romulus‘ release, Álvarez was asked his thoughts about a potential Alien vs. Predator 3. The writer/director confirmed his interest in making the crossover threequel, going on to pitch the idea of teaming up with Prey‘s Dan Trachtenberg to co-write and co-direct the movie in the same way Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez collaborated on From 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 with
Dusk 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 the Alien and Predator franchises had largely become dormant following the lackluster performances of Alien: Resurrection and Predator 2. In the years following the 2007 sequel’s release, both properties attempted to make comebacks in theaters, with 2010’s Predators and 2018’s Shane Black feature proving to only be modest hits, while Ridley Scott’s return with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant saw 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: Romulus has garnered the franchise’s best reviews since Scott and James Cameron’s beloved originals, and Trachtenberg’s Prey actually became the best-reviewed yet. With Romulus also on track for a strong box office opening, now may ultimately be the best time for 20th Century and Disney to revisit the Alien vs. Predator franchise, and Álvarez’s idea of a joint collaboration between him and Trachtenberg may actually be the best way to redeem the crossover series.

It’s clear that both Álvarez and Trachtenberg have an appropriate grip on their respective franchises, particularly since the latter is developing both a Prey 2 and another standalone entry with Badlands and eyeing Elle Fanning to star. Combining their creative talents for an Alien vs. Predator 3 could 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 for Alien: Romulus enough to bring it to theaters rather than its original Hulu release, his interest may be the push the studio needs to consider it.

Source: Deadline

Alien vs. Predator

Director

Paul W.S. Anderson

Release Date

August 13, 2004

Writers

Dan O’Bannon , Ronald Shusett , Paul W.S. Anderson , John Thomas , Jim Thomas

Cast

Sanaa Lathan , Raoul Bova , Lance Henriksen , Ewen Bremner , Colin Salmon , Tommy Flanagan

Runtime

100 Minutes

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

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