It was all a buzz when Ridley Scott announced he was returning to the Alien Franchise for not one, but two films set to be prequels to the original 1979 movie. Pre-production had begun with Lost writer Damon Lindleof recently hired to re-write John Spaits original script to achieve maximum narrative effect. The latest 3d technology being used on the film was all the talk, as was the production design by Arthur Max in Pinewood Studios working on concept art for the spaceships and other elements. Everything was on track, but now it seems the production has hit a snag with some last minute wrangling going on between the Studios and Ridley over two important issues that could see the brakes applied unless resolved.
The main sticking point seems to be money, it’s been reported that Scott needs $250 million to make the two films, which is a considerable amount but speaks volumes for the vision that he has in store, the other point – which seems less of an issue is the rating; that is 18+ audiences over the 15+ to attract more ticket sales . Whilst there can always be two cuts of the movie to get the best rating – audiences have been somewhat desensitized by horrific images that are created by digital effects and so perhaps these concerns are not as warranted when so many graphic scenes make it past the censors anyway.
The real issue is money, and for now it seems that Ridley is going to have to find a way to shave at least $30 million off the budget to gets things rolling – it’s all last minute wrangling by the studios to squeeze a better deal when they know these films will be massive. It’s worth noting that his most recent films haven’t been the major hits as some would’ve liked, though respectable they’ve either been less than warmly received or just unable to ignite the box office. Though from all counts Robin Hood was a dud – story wise, and had a reported budget of $200 million which only returned half that in ticket sales.
Nonetheless Alien is a different creature altogether, it’s a concept that’s heavily laden in special effects and from the extensive sets to digital planets and the CG Aliens – it’s likely that alot of the film will require effects plates in almost every scene – and this will cost big bucks.
So for now the brakes are definitely on, but that just means that investors will have to be sought, as this is a franchise that ‘s been waiting for a kick start ever since James Cameron made his definitive sequel.
For now, just keep thinking happy Xenomorph thoughts… we’ll keep you informed.
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