Alien 5: Status Of Neill Blomkamp's Aliens Sequel

The Alien franchise had long been defined by its mix of science fiction and horror, and after years of false starts, a fifth mainline film once seemed like a natural next step. That project became known informally as "Alien 5", a proposed sequel that would have moved the series in a different direction from the prequel films overseen by Ridley Scott. With Neill Blomkamp attached to direct, the film quickly drew attention from fans, particularly because it promised a return to familiar characters and ideas. Despite early momentum, the project stalled and was ultimately abandoned. This article examines how "Alien 5" came together, why it fell apart, and what the film might have looked like had it moved forward.

Abortive Attempts at a Fifth Film

Since the release of "Alien Resurrection" in 1997, the desire for a fifth installment in the Alien franchise had been lingering. Various writers and directors proposed unrealized ideas for the film. Sigourney Weaver, the iconic Ellen Ripley in the series, expressed her enthusiasm for a fifth Alien film, with the condition that either Ridley Scott or James Cameron would be at the helm. Over the years, multiple ideas were explored, including a script developed by Joss Whedon, the writer of "Alien Resurrection." Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. of Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc. pitched their concept to 20th Century Fox, but these visions never materialized. Even James Cameron, the visionary director of "Aliens," had plans for a fifth Alien film in collaboration with Ridley Scott. However, the impending "Alien vs. Predator" project put these dreams on hold.

Alien V: Walter Hill's Recent Update

In late 2025, Sigourney Weaver offered a new update on Alien V, a sequel concept developed by original Alien producer and director Walter Hill. Weaver revealed that Hill had written approximately 50 pages exploring a story set roughly 200 years after the earlier films, hinting at a direct continuation of Alien: Resurrection (and not a reboot that ignores Alien 3). The concept depicted Ellen Ripley as a largely forgotten figure in a future that no longer valued her past experiences. Weaver described the idea as thoughtful and unconventional. She emphasized that it focused on Ripley's place in a changed world rather than traditional Alien action. Weaver stressed that the project remained in very early stages with no official greenlight.

Blomkamp's Involvement: A Glimpse of What Could Have Been

In 2015, Neill Blomkamp, renowned for "District 9," unveiled a treasure trove of concept art for a fifth Alien film on his Instagram account. This project, tentatively titled "Alien: Xeno," promised to rewrite the narrative of "Alien 3" and focus on an older Ripley and Hicks. Blomkamp's artwork generated immense excitement among fans. He initially shared his vision without Fox's knowledge, setting the stage for what could have been a groundbreaking sequel. Eventually, Blomkamp received the green light from Fox, officially setting the wheels in motion for "Alien 5."

Ellen Ripley Returning

Sigourney Weaver was willing to reprise her role under Blomkamp's direction. The concept of "Alien: Xeno" would have seen the return not only of Ripley but Michael Biehn's Hicks and an older Newt, potentially retconning their off-screen deaths in "Alien 3." Blomkamp's vision would have diverged the franchise's narrative into a new continuity, reuniting old favorite characters while introducing new elements. The concept art also hinted at new types of Xenomorphs, a jungle/garden setting, the presence of new mercenary group factions, and the introduction of deadly new androids. Fan-favorite Colonial Marine weapons like the Smartgun and Pulse Rifle would have returned, but with upgraded versions.

The Cancellation

Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding "Alien 5," a series of challenges emerged. The film's plot had to be adjusted to avoid conflicts with Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" sequel, "Alien: Covenant." Blomkamp also announced that the film would not bear the title "Alien 5," hinting at its unique direction. A first draft script was completed, and the movie was slated for release in 2017. However, in a disappointing turn of events, Blomkamp announced via Twitter in October 2015 that the project was put on hold due to "Prometheus 2." Subsequently, it became increasingly evident that "Alien 5" was unlikely to become a reality, with Ridley Scott confirming its cancellation.

Sigourney Weaver's Perspective

In a more recent interview with Total Film magazine, Sigourney Weaver shared her reflections on reprising her role as Ellen Ripley. She acknowledged the existence of an "Alien" film she wished to make with Neill Blomkamp but emphasized that the ship had sailed. Weaver noted that there were now younger actors taking on similar roles in the industry and expressed her contentment with her contributions to the sci-fi epic, stating, "I'm very happy doing what I'm doing. I put in my time in space!" Weaver's journey as Ripley, spanning from 1979 to 1997, featured four iconic films with the potential for a fifth that could have "broken new ground."

Neill Blomkamp's Reflection

The cancellation of "Alien 5" brought about a significant turning point in director Neill Blomkamp's career. With the film's cancellation, alongside the abandonment of two sequels to his 2015 sci-fi film "Chappie," Blomkamp underwent a transformative period of reflection. In an interview with Empire magazine, he candidly discussed how the cancellation of "Alien 5" had a profound impact on him. Blomkamp revealed, "The stuff that's hit me the hardest in my own career are the projects that didn't get made - Alien, predominantly." This experience compelled Blomkamp to reassess his approach to Hollywood. He recognized that he didn't fit the mold of a typical Hollywood director who churned out films regularly. Instead, he embraced his role as an artist who sought to pursue unique and unconventional projects.

Conclusion: The Legacy of "Alien 5"

The story of Alien 5 is one of big ideas that never found their way to the screen. Neill Blomkamp's pitch attracted attention because it promised a return to familiar characters and themes, but a combination of creative conflicts and shifting priorities ultimately stopped the film from moving forward. In the years that followed, the Alien franchise moved ahead in other directions. Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Alvarez, was released in 2024 as the next theatrical installment. A television series named Alien: Earth developed by Noah Hawley also premiered on FX on Hulu, expanding the universe in a separate continuity. These projects show that while Alien 5 never happened, the franchise has not stood still.

Tag Categories: Upcoming Alien & Predator Movies