'Alien' prequel in the works: In Hollywood, no one can hear '80s fans scream

JULY 31, 2009

One of the more underrated sci-fi movie series of the '80s is set for a new big-screen treatment. Director Ridley Scott is now on board to film a "prequel" of his landmark Alien flick.

The original 1979 was followed by three sequels -- the best I think was James Cameron's 1986 Aliens -- but this new movie presumably will track the origin of the alien that haunted Ripley (Sigourney Weaver and poor John Hurt) time after time.

Variety.com says Jon Spaihts will write the prequel and that Scott, who directed the original but passed on the sequels, will return to helm the project. No release date has been announced and no casting decisions have been made.

So where does the Alien franchise stand in the sci-fi hall of fame? Where does it rank among classic '80s movie far?

Posted by Steve Spears at 9:22:39 am on July 31, 2009 in

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About the blogger

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times entertainment news editor Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.

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