I’m kind of an addict when it comes to consuming Alien content. I grew up watching the films in the 1980s, lived through the dark times of the franchise after Alien 3 and worse, Alien Resurrection. I felt the befuddlement many fans endured from the Ridley Scott prequels, and like so many, I’m pouring over every tidbit of news related to Alien: Romulus.
I share all this to say that I’m not a newcomer to the franchise, nor do I tune out during the dry years between films. And my intent here is not to criticize Fede Alvarez’s upcoming installment, as I truly believe it will do for the Alien franchise what Prey did for Predator; that is to say revitalizing interest in a dormant franchise with a top-notch installment.
But if I have to listen to one more Hollywood insider talk about how Aliens was a one-trick pony, a film idea that once used is no longer viable, I’m going to lose my mind. Sure, Alien is a horror film set within the confines of science-fiction; but the 1979 film is only one of the two pillars that support the franchise. James Cameron’s Aliens is every bit as much the cinematic accomplishment as the original. I’m happy Alien: Romulus is returning to the horror roots of the franchise; but that doesn’t mean we can’t have both, that there isn’t room for more than one type of Alien film in the market. I believe these “hot takes” come from a bias against war films, that these stories are somehow less artful, have less to say about the human condition or the big questions faced by humanity.
Now it’s certainly true that Hollywood pumps out many violent stories and war films each year; obviously, these sell and do good business. But for some reason, these stories get lumped together as surface-level storytelling and are rarely considered worthy of the attention of great filmmakers (a few exceptions being Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and Edward Berger’s adaption of All Quiet on the Western Front).
But here’s the thing: another Aliens film featuring the Colonial Marines can have every bit the impact and philosophical reach that the original and the prequels have. I believe the expanded universe novels from Titan Books and 20th Century Studios provide the source material to do so. (That’s not even touching the fact that the comics provide endless material as well!)
The novel Aliens: Bishop explores artificial intelligence and international politics in ways that mirror the insecurities and fears of our age, grounded in the foundation of a war story. Aliens: Inferno’s Fall delves into the consequences of unrestrained capitalism and imperialism while offering fantastic action and combat moments with the Colonial Marines. Alien: Enemy of My Enemy does similar storytelling with great success.
So, come on Hollywood; just give fans one more film featuring the Colonial Marines, an outfit so legendary that it’s sustained a fan base for nearly forty years. The pieces are there, the spending public is ready. Time to get past the bias and take a risk.
Tell us what you think! Would another Aliens film featuring the Colonial Marines do well in theaters? Is the idea used and done? Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation on Boss Rush Network’s Discord, Facebook, and Twitter.
Featured Image: 20th Century Studios
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