New Prometheus Image Featuring Noomi Repace

Screenwriter For New Blade Runner Film To Be Announced Soon

ThePlaylist while talking to producer Andrew Kosove about many his projects in development. The conversation moved towards the new Blade Runner movie which currently has Ridley Scott attached to direct. Ridley has given the impression in recent interviews that Runner could be one of this next films if everything comes together. Kosove mentions that they haven't decided whether it will be a prequel or sequel. Also, an announcement on the film's screenwriter will happen early in the new year.

Sometime in the first two months of the new year we'll announce who the screenwriter will be and whether or not it's a prequel or sequel. And then we'll be off to the races.

Here's the thing about Ridley. Ridley is a special guy. He's a force of nature. He's got a lot of stuff that he's working on. I believe it's an extremely high priority for Ridley, that's what he's said to me. This project is moving forward aggressively in development. 

 

Currently the director is finishing up post-production on Prometheus which recently had it's teaser trailer released this week (jaw-dropping awesome!). Apparently he's been bitten by the science fiction bug and wants to make more films in the genre. He has gone as far to say that if successful there could be sequels to Prometheus exploring that universe. Not to mention development on a film based on the novel Forever War.

Ridley could very well could expand the Blade Runner world similar to what he's doing with the Alien universe in Prometheus. A lot of avenues haven't been explored since we basically only saw a film noir set in a futuristic Los Angeles, off-world colonies and replicant rebellions sound too good not to focus on. That being said, Ridley has fingers in a lot of projects and could easily jump into something else.

Screen Grabs From Prometheus Trailer Reveal Derelict Ship And Space Jockey

New Images From Prometheus Trailer Preview

Teaser For The New Prometheus Trailer

New Prometheus Images, First Good Look At The Cast

If Prometheus Performs Well There Could Be Sequels

When the Alien Prequel was originally announced it was pitched as a two part project. Later on when Damon Lindelof signed on for rewrites the film's connection to the franchise was almost severed. Leaving a few bits of franchise DNA in the newly titled Prometheus which seemed it would focus more on the origins of the company and the space jockey. Along with being very android focused perhaps telling the story from the prospective of David (Fassbender). There is now word from HollywoodReporter that if Prometheus does well at the box office which is very likely Fox will pursue more installments.

His directing wishes could be altered by how well his sci-fi epic Prometheus, which stars Charlize Theron and Noomi Rapace and opens June 8, 2012, performs at the box office. Insiders at Fox say the studio is already exploring sequel options"


It was stated that this film would be set thirty years before the events of Alien so there is a little wiggle room for more movies in the Alien universe. It's unknown how many if any crew members will come out of the film alive to reprise their roles. I believe it's box office success might end up coming down to it's rating while an R rating will appease fans of the franchise in the minds of the studio. A PG-13 rating is domestic gold and helps sell the movie overseas. However, all four of the original films were rated R and have been nothing but profitable for Fox. The Matrix trilogy being one the biggest successful R rated franchise it might be hard to get those kind of numbers.

Ridley also was expecting to make a bunch of sequels for Robin Hood before the Universal Pictures project went over budget and did very poorly at the box office. The film was an origin story rebooting the legend of Robin Hood which was setting up sequels along the way. Scott might be itching for franchise security since he's never really done one besides creating the Alien franchise. Only to hand it off to directors like James Cameron and newcomer David Fincher which cemented both of their careers. When he visited the set of Avatar it was said he felt the gauntlet was thrown down by Cameron. It's unknown if Ridley will return to the director's chair as he has many projects in development which includes a new Blade Runner film currently in the script phase.

My take is that I believe this world is rich enough to explore a lot of different avenues and I believe there are many stories that could be tapped in new films. Maybe developing the origins/exploring off-world colonies and even the united systems military. I feel the space marines are an important aspect of the franchise since they're eventually an arm of the company. It could be interesting to see Fox focus a movie on them establishing the bug-stompers. It was hinted in Aliens they've been up against similar hostile organisms before. While xenomorphs are tempting I wouldn't mind seeing other creatures or threats. Of course a completely new take could be just as exciting.


WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE ALIEN UNIVERSE FILMS FROM RIDLEY SCOTT? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Ridley Scott And Gerard Bulter Want To Make African Coup Film

It seems like every couple of months a new Ridley Scott project springs up. There is word from Deadline director Ridley Scott is putting together an interesting fact-based thriller with Gerard Butler attached for the lead. It would focus on the story of Simon Mann, a former British army officer who in 2004 put together a band of mercenaries to attempt a coup against the president of Equatorial Guinea. The coup attempt was thwarted in Zimbabwe, where Mann went to pick up weapons. He spent five years in a harsh prison there before being taken to Equatorial Guinea where he was sentenced to 34 years–but spared that sentence when he received a presidential pardon in 2009.

Ridley has a ton of other projects to consider next but it seems like this one has a little more depth than some of his other prospects. He has more than a few options to consider which include a Blade Runner sequel, Forever War, A Brave New World, Monopoly and a possible sequel to Prometheus.

SPOILERS: Ridley Scott Talks Prometheus

I've used the heading SPOILERS to point out this whole article could ruin Prometheus if you read it so you've been warned. Ridley Scott while speaking with The Wallstreet Journal's blog Speakeasy he gave a small tidbits of details on Prometheus. Confirming that the Alien DNA is in the film stating "The last eight minutes of the “Prometheus” story evolve into “a pretty good DNA of the ‘Alien’ one".

This news leads me to believe there is a possiblity that Ridley and Fox could be considering a sequel which had been in the original plan. While setting up the alien world with Prometheus the next installment very well could end up being the Alien prequel that was originally intended. When the Alien prequel was originally announced there had been plans for two movies that would explain where the eggs, ship and Space Jockey came from. It's unknown how much of Prometheus will actually explain if anything of the mythology/origin of the aliens. I wouldn't be shocked if the film ended with a cliff hanger leading into the second film, if that plan still exists.

I had my doubts how they could make one origin story into two movies but establishing the human world, androids, the company's motives and colonies would be the first step, the second explaining the origins of the aliens. This of course is all speculation but it's going to be a massive treat for Alien fans like myself it does turn out this way. There has also been talk that Prometheus very well could be told from the prospective of David (Fassbender), one of the androids in the film.

Ridley Scott Talks New Blade Runner Film

While we are still desperately waiting on the first trailer for Ridley Scott's Prometheus which is expected to have DNA/connections to the Alien franchise. There is development on another iconic film that Ridley will be revisiting. Alcon Entertainment (Insomnia) nabbed the film rights to Blade Runner and were pursuing Scott to direct. Ridley officially joined the untitled Blade Runner film as it's director and producer. It's expected that Warner Bros. who made the original and have worked with Alcon in the past will distribute.

Ridley spoke briefly to Speakeasy (via Playlist) about the film. Scott is considering this project a sequel even though Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) will likely not be in it. He seems to have found a writer and gives the impression development is further along than we assumed.

 "liable to be a sequel.....I think I’m close to finding a writer that might be able to help me deliver. We’re quite a long way in, actually."

"Scott says the new “Blade Runner” project is moving ahead “not with the past cast, of course.” No Deckard? “No, not really,” he says."

Some possible writers could include Damon Lindelof (Lost, Star Trek, Star Trek 2) who recently worked with Scott on Prometheus adding massive re-writes to the original script. Another candidate could include Travis Wright (Eagle Eye) who was confirmed by SlashFilm as writing a Blade Runner sequel before Alcon/Ridley ever got involved. It will be interesting who ends up writing because we have no idea what angle they're aiming for. There has been talk of continuing the original dectective noir aspect also taking things into outer space focusing the replicant uprisings on off-world colonies.

Prometheus' Noomi Rapace Reveals Elizabeth Shaw's Backstory

While talking to MovieWeb, Noomi Rapace revealed some non-spoiler details about her character in Prometheus. Elizabeth Shaw is expected to be the central character which may or may not be similar to Ripley. Rapace gives some insight into the backstory of Shaw that ultimately gives us more depth than any previous character in the Alien franchise.

"I play Elizabeth Shaw, researcher and archaeologist. She's British but was raised in Africa because her father was a missionary. From him she learned to believe in God, and she has a strong inner self. She is the most complete person I have ever played. She has an inner light. She's very stubborn and determined. She lost her parents when she was a child, so she's been alone from a young age. But she's very intelligent. I know that when one has to survive alone from an early age, one becomes strong. But also fragile, because the hurt child within her hasn't been able to evolve in a natural way. You get easily hurt emotionally. She's full of hope, a dreamer, a little naive. Halfway through the movie a lot of things happen and she turns into a fighter. Another part of her comes to life."

Screenwriter Damon Lindelof recently confirmed that Vickers (Charlize Theron) would be in charge of the company that is funding the mission which is a change up from the familiar company stooge. He also stated David (Michael Fassbender) is indeed an android. During Comic-Con Ridley Scott confirmed the film would have at least two androids in the movie if not more, David now being one of them. There has been talk that Prometheus could be told from the point of view of androids.

Ben Foster Joins Prometheus, Patrick Wilson & Guy Pearce Confirmed

JoBlo reported back in July that Ben Foster (Messenger, Mechanic, Pandorum) had joined Ridley Scott's Prometheus. Along with that older news, rumored additions Guy Pearce (Memento) and Patrick Wilson (Watchmen) have been confirmed for the film.

CAST EM': Ridley Scott's Untitled Blade Runner Film

Now that Prometheus is wrapping up and starting post-production Ridley Scott's next film is gathering some steam. The yet Untitled Blade Runner Film is gearing up to be another exciting experiment of Ridley revisiting his past masterpieces. This time focusing on the world of replicants (cyborgs) and blade runners. We have no idea where the story will go or how it will be connected to the original film. My hope is that at the very least still it's as dark and violent as the first movie.

I have a few ideas of actors and actresses who should be considered for roles in the film. I'm using the fact that Prometheus' casting ended up with a majority of actors Ridley hasn't worked with before. The casting of Prometheus is being used to influence how I could see Ridley, Alcon and Warners Bros. could be placing actors in roles. Of course the film is from starting production any time soon with a writer only rumored to be in talks.

RYAN GOSLING: High in demand at the studio Ryan is quickly moving into the leading man role. He's gathered praise for films like Blue Valentine, Lars & The Real Girl and Half Nelson (Oscar Nominated). Along with a lot of buzz for his art house action thriller Drive that could see him earn some awards nominations this year. Gosling is currently shooting Gangster Squad, attached to Nicolas Winding Refn's Logan's Run remake and being considered for Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE.

TOM HARDY: Hardy is also quickly becoming important to Warner Bros. starring in two large Christopher Nolan films Inception and Dark Knight Rises. He's also seemingly getting his own WB franchise in the making replacing Mel Gibson in Max Mad Fury Road. Warrior could be the breakout film for Hardy as it's getting a lot of awards talk. He's also worked with Ridley previously on Black Hawk Down.

RICHARD ARMITMAGE: Richard (Captain America, Hobbit) is another actor about to explode in the next couple of years. He's mostly known for his work on British television on shows like Spooks, Robin Hood and Strike Back. However, this will all change when the two Hobbit films are released with Richard playing Thorin Oakenshield. Warner Bros. is financing the films and might look to the actor who is almost unrecognizable in his dwarf makeup for future big projects like Blade Runner. 

TOM HIDDLESTON: Tom is another rising star having a breakout commercial role in Marvel's Thor 1-2 and Avengers playing the villain Loki. He's also gathering some praise for upcoming films Deep Blue Sea and Steven Spielberg's War Horse. I'd like to think that he would fit nicely in this world either in the role of hero or villain. I could see Hiddleston becoming the next Michael Fassbender if given the right film projects.

JOEL KINNAMAN: The Swedish actor blew up when he headlined the thriller Snabba Cash. Landing roles in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the acclaimed show The Killing. Joel re-teamed with director Daniel Espinosa for the Denzel Washington/Ryan Reynolds film Safe House. He's currently filming the Snabba Cash sequel and is wanted by Steven Soderbergh for a lead role in The Man From UNCLE. 

ROONEY MARA: David Fincher's muse is going be big after The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is released in December. From the trailers it looks like Rooney might be Oscar bound and could end up with a nomination. Ridley actively pursed Noomi Rapace for Prometheus who played Lisbeth in in the original Swedish film. She has similar qualities being able to give a strong psychical performance.

BELLA HEATHCOTE: Bella is already making a name for herself starring alongside Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt. The Australian actress is likely to explode after she is seen in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (A Warner Bros. Production) and Andrew Dominik's gangster flick Cogan's Trade.

FELICITY JONES: Felicity (The Tempest) is a young actress who is giving interesting performances in smaller films like Cemetery Junction and Like Crazy. She had been in contention to play Snow White in the dark fantasy thriller Snow White & The Huntsman. Jones has a lot of potential and isn't over exposed like many other actresses her age.

GEMMA ARTERTON: Gemma had originally met with Ridley for a role in Prometheus but ultimately didn't get it. Catching his eye with her film The Disappearance of Alice Creed. Where she went from damsel to a lady who can kick some ass. While that didn't work out I think she might be a better fit for this with her sultry look. She's been mostly a background player in large films but is moving more into the spotlight with Alice Creed and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters alongside Jeremy Renner.

RUTH WILSON: I've been vocal on the site recently for Ruth to be put in more films. Ruth is the main reason the BBC series Luther is such a success. She's currently attached to Disney's Lone Ranger along with a role in Joe Wright's (Hanna, Atonement) Anna Karenina. 

Scott Z. Burns To Write New Blade Runner Film?

Twitch is reporting on some progress on the Untitled Blade Runner Film from Ridley Scott. They say Ridley, Alcon and Warner Bros. are looking at screenwriter Scott Z. Burns to work on the film's script. It might be a move similar to bringing on Damon Lindelof (Lost) to re-work the Alien prequel Prometheus. Burns isn't a big name but wrote The Bourne Ultimatum and Contagion. He's also written scripts for large upcoming projects such as Steven Soderbergh's The Man From UNCLE and David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The fact is that Burns seems to be able to write action well and let's hope the science fiction side of things works out.

Many of the details concerning the project have yet to be answered. Like, if this is a direct sequel/prequel or like Prometheus just set in the Blade Runner universe. If the film noir aspect will be brought up or if it will be a straight up science fiction action film. Along with if will be set on Earth or off-world which had been mentioned a number of times in the original film humans are busy colonizing other planets. Using replicants as work slaves and soldiers in the process of this expansion leading to an outright rebellion by the cyborgs.

UPDATE: Word from ThePlaylist via Twitter is that both Burns' reps and Scott himself are denying the rumors of him working on Blade Runner.  This could be a move by Burns to keep early talks going or Twitch's original story was bull to begin with.

Ridley Scott Set To Direct Blade Runner Prequel/Seuqel

Deadline reports that Ridley Scott has made a deal with Alcon Entertainment to produce and direct a new Blade Runner film. The film has been toted as being a prequel or sequel depending on the angle they finally agree on. Harrison Ford has been ruled out but it's expected to be ready for around 2014 with Warner Bros. distributing.

I don't find this too surprising as Ridley came to rescue of the Alien prequel (Prometheus) when Fox turned down his suggested director. Ridley must know now that he should be involved in these projects so that his original work doesn't get tarnished in the process. I do hope that they take the angle of a prequel and show the off-world colonies, wars and the replicant rebellion.

FIRST LOOK: Ridley Scott's Prometheus

Jamie Vanderbilt Hired To Write Ridley Scott's Red Riding Remake

HeatVision reports that Jamie Vanderbilt (Amazing Spider-Man, Zodiac) has been hired to adapt the four Red Riding books by David Pearce based on a true story. Ridley Scott is set to produce and direct but it's unknown if Scott is aiming to make a trilogy like the original group of UK TV films. Or is possibly condensing all the stories into one film. I assume considering all the material it makes sense to do a trilogy. Vanderbilt isn't a stranger to the true life serial killer genre as he wrote David Fincher's Zodiac. The originals were stunning pieces of film that have launched a few careers for some of it's actors like Andrew Garfield (Amazing Spider-Man).

RUMOR: Has Guy Pearce Joined Prometheus?

Apparently there is a possibility that Guy Pearce (Memento) has joined Ridley Scott's Prometheus. CHUD has gotten a tip from two different sources that Pearce could be in the film. While this is just a rumor it's a very good one, if true.

The cast is an impressive group of actors. It includes Noomi Rapace (Dragon Tattoo, Sherlock Holmes 2), Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds, 300, X-Men First Class), Charlize Theron, Idris Elba (Thor, The Wire, RockNRolla), Rafe Spall (Green Street Hooligans, A Good Year, Hot Fuzz), Sean Harris (Harry Brown, Red Riding Trilogy), Logan Marshall-Green, Kate Dickie, Benedict Wong (Moon, Sunshine) and Emun Elliot.