WhileDistrict 9directorNeill Blomkamp’s social media-enacted plans to make anotherAlienmoviemay be on hold for a bit, 20th Century Fox has a consolation prize for the filmmaker that they hope will keep him happy. Per Deadline, the studio is in talks with Blomkamp to write and direct an adaptation of the upcomingThomas Sweterlitschsci-fi novelThe Gone World, which Chernin Entertainment is producing.
Specific plot details are under wraps, but the film is described as a sci-fi time travel procedural, which would at least besomewhatdifferent from Blomkamp’s output thus far. Indeed,District 9,Elysium, andChappieare all rather same-y feeling, so here’s hoping Blomkamp at least finds a new aesthetic forThe Gone World. The film is being planned as a potential franchise for the studio, so whileAlien 5isn’t happening just yet, Blomkamp could find himself at the helm of his own sci-fi series.
Just asChappiewas about to hit theaters, Blomkamptook to social mediaearlier this year to share some concept art he had drawn up for an original take on anAliensequel. At the time, he mentioned that meetings with Fox on the movie had never really gone anywhere, but bolstered by the strong response from fans, Fox reconsidered and put the film officially on track towards production withRidley Scottproducing. That Blomkamp is one smart cookie.
However, as Scott began preparing his ownAlienfilm, thePrometheusfollow-upAlien: Paradise Lost, theGladiatordirector maybegot a little annoyedat Blomkamp’s film upstaging his ownAlienmovie, and Fox opted to postponeAlien 5in favor of Scott starting production on thePrometheussequel early next year.
It’s unclear ifThe Gone Worldwill indeed be Blomkamp’s next movie, but regardless it appears the filmmaker is keen on tackling an adaptation of some kind for the first time. Here’s hoping that results in something markedly more compelling thanElysiumorChappie.
