HDC Debates #6: Prometheus 2 OR Alien 5?

[_____V_____]

Before there was Prometheus or even the AvP duo, rumors were strong about James Cameron (writing) & Ridley Scott (directing) teaming up for the 5th iteration in the Alien series, effectively a conclusion to the whole Ripley-Alien saga. A script was ready for the tale, which would have skipped parts 3 and 4, and taken off right where 1986's Aliens left off, with Ripley, Hicks & Newt surviving to take up reins in Alien 5.

Instead, we had this fantastic idea scrapped off and Fox went ahead with AvP & AvP: Requiem, and destroyed everything. Then Scott came up with Prometheus, which again was a diversion of a proper Alien prequel story written by Jon Spaihts.

Lots of rewrites and the Lindelof guy from Lost later, we know how that panned out.

More than once, Weaver, Cameron and even Scott, have admitted that Ripley's tale deserves a satisfactory conclusion. But with the studio minting close to $400 million worldwide on Prometheus, a sequel was a definite.

Latest news is that the sequel's release date has been pushed upwards to 2017. And back in June 2014, Weaver was again vocal about Ripley's tale, and for one more shot at the character.

Some stuff which show more light on this:

http://whatculture.com/film/10-reasons-prometheus-2-scrapped-alien-5.php

http://www.prometheus2-movie.com/news/2064

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/james-cameron-wanted-to-make-aliens-5-with-ridley-scott-didnt-totally-love-prometheus-20140413

Personally, which one would you prefer? Or would you rather have the franchise come to a full stop?

Have your say.

[The Villain]

Prometheus while enjoyable was a complete mess so I'm not really interested in a sequel. If Alien 5 were to skip parts 3 and 4 and feature Ripley as you said, I'd be interested especially as a conclusion.

[MichaelMyers]

I prefer for Alien vs. Predator flicks.

[hammerfan]

I'd prefer a Prometheus sequel rather than another Alien movie.

[horcrux2007]

Prometheus 2

[roshiq]

They should go for the both sequels. ::cool::

[Sculpt]

Prometheus seemed like either half a movie, or a missed opportunity. The film conjures the mystery of the origin of the Alien, the intentions of the creators, and going to their world to get the answer. When I realized Prometheus was not going to answer it's own questions, and not go to the alien world, I was very displeased with the film.

It would be a shame for there not to be a concluding Prometheus film.

As for a new Alien film taking off where Aliens left off... there really isn't any continuing story. Aliens just retold the same Alien premise, except with a lot of action. The company wants the Alien creature for it's weapons division. Same premise for both. Prometheus is the only film adding to it.

Still, if Scott and/or Cameron wrote/directed a new Alien film, especially with Weaver, I'd love to see it. I could care less about Newt and Hicks. But I'd like to see Bishop join Ripley. Too bad Paxton's character died; he was hilarious.

[horcrux2007]

I was kinda pissed that Newt was killed off in Alien3.

[Baron Von Marlon]

Neither.

Turns out Prometheus was first called Alien:Engineers and had decent script (it's online for those who like reading scripts).
I was so surprised the original idea got rejected that I gave up all hope for another decent Alien related movie.
Until Hollywood & Co get their act together, I won't expect much from remakes/reboots/spin-offs like this.

Here's a short article on how they ruined the movie.
http://www.cracked.com/article_20703_5-famously-terrible-movies-that-were-almost-great.html

An while I'm at it. They did the same to Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection.
Alien 3 was supposed to take place on Earth.
Link to the cript and teaser trailer for the movie that never got made:
http://www.cracked.com/article_19350_6-famously-terrible-movies-that-were-almost-awesome.html

[MichaelMyers]

Neither.

Turns out Prometheus was first called Alien:Engineers and had decent script (it's online for those who like reading scripts).
I was so surprised the original idea got rejected that I gave up all hope for another decent Alien related movie.
Until Hollywood & Co get their act together, I won't expect much from remakes/reboots/spin-offs like this.

Here's a short article on how they ruined the movie.
http://www.cracked.com/article_20703_5-famously-terrible-movies-that-were-almost-great.html

An while I'm at it. They did the same to Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection.
Alien 3 was supposed to take place on Earth.
Link to the cript and teaser trailer for the movie that never got made:
http://www.cracked.com/article_19350_6-famously-terrible-movies-that-were-almost-awesome.html

Wow, that is insightful. Although, do you think they really turned out "terrible" in light of the changes. Alien 3 has its moments. Prometheus is a confusing film, but was well-received on HDC.

[Baron Von Marlon]

Wow, that is insightful. Although, do you think they really turned out "terrible" in light of the changes. Alien 3 has its moments. Prometheus is a confusing film, but was well-received on HDC.

Terrible is a big word, I admit that. But I wouldn't say they're good movies.
And now I know what could have been, it would been even less pleasant to see those movies again.

[Sculpt]

Terrible is a big word, I admit that. But I wouldn't say they're good movies.
And now I know what could have been, it would been even less pleasant to see those movies again.

I hear ya. I think the film itself reveals what it could have been. It's a teaser film. It asks questions, and says 'imagine this', and then doesn't go there, all the while you know they could have. Nobody wants to wally in expectation for a whole 2-hour theatre film. It isn't a TV soup opera.

Prometheus could have gone to the world of the Alien creators, answered all the questions the film asks, and if that was done well, the mind would create a million more concepts & stories for a "Prometheus 2", and created quadruple the number of audience members for both films. Film history confirms that's how it works (ex: Alien/Aliens). How do these poor decisions get made?

[Baron Von Marlon]

How do these poor decisions get made?

Stupid people get to decide. That's the sad world we live in.

[ferretchucker]

A slice of cake is good. Eating the entire thing can make you sick. Let it die.

[horcrux2007]

A Prometheus sequel was already written apparently.

[Baron Von Marlon]

James Cameron wanted to make Aliens 5 with Ridley Scott.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/james-cameron-wanted-to-make-aliens-5-with-ridley-scott-didnt-totally-love-prometheus-20140413

[BenBaker]

I can't wait for both. Aliens is my nr.1 movie of all time. Can't wait for either alien 5 or prometheus 2 :)

[horcrux2007]

James Cameron wanted to make Aliens 5 with Ridley Scott.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/james-cameron-wanted-to-make-aliens-5-with-ridley-scott-didnt-totally-love-prometheus-20140413

Director of Alien + Director of Aliens = does not compute


That would be amazing!

[Giganticface]

I'd love to see a Prometheus sequel. Although that movie "could have been" so much more, I think what it was was amazing. It just gets the questions started, while at the same time being an engaging story on its own. I agree with Sculpt, I almost think they *need* to make a sequel to continue answering questions, and there's so much they can do with it. But that doesn't make the film bad, just because it doesn't include whatever each individual was expecting it to. I thought it was great, and just as good on second viewing (maybe better).

As far as the Alien proper franchise goes (which of course doesn't include anything with "vs" in the title), I have a tough time with the idea of trying to rewrite history by going back in the chronology of the canon, inserting a story, then saying everything after that doesn't count anymore. Sure, they could probably do it better than how it turned out, but I think I'd rather they try to make it fit in the canon. Maybe that's the plan. I guess I'm just overall less excited about that concept than learning more about the Prometheus origins storyline. Of course I would still be crazy about seeing it in the theater if it did come out. :)

[Sculpt]

I'd love to see a Prometheus sequel. Although that movie "could have been" so much more, I think what it was was amazing. It just gets the questions started, while at the same time being an engaging story on its own. I agree with Sculpt, I almost think they *need* to make a sequel to continue answering questions, and there's so much they can do with it. But that doesn't make the film bad, just because it doesn't include whatever each individual was expecting it to. I thought it was great, and just as good on second viewing (maybe better).

As far as the Alien proper franchise goes (which of course doesn't include anything with "vs" in the title), I have a tough time with the idea of trying to rewrite history by going back in the chronology of the canon, inserting a story, then saying everything after that doesn't count anymore. Sure, they could probably do it better than how it turned out, but I think I'd rather they try to make it fit in the canon. Maybe that's the plan. I guess I'm just overall less excited about that concept than learning more about the Prometheus origins storyline. Of course I would still be crazy about seeing it in the theater if it did come out. :)
I liked Prometheus, don't get me wrong. I thought it was fascinating. Why, during the film, and especially at the end, I was thinking about what the film wasn't doing... not sure, but for me the second half seemed negatively restrained and stunted in reveal and interesting material. I'll have to see it again.

For a new Alien film, I would much rather they throw out Resurrection 'cannon' -- as Resurrection takes place 200 years after Alien 3, and Ripley is a clone. I think it's really too complicated for the general audience. It's interesting, but personally, I thought that jump was unnecessary. It's more of a 'what if' story.

Resurrection 2 could be good, but I'd rather Scott and/or Cameron start where Aliens left off.