In an interview with UK paper The Independent, 72 year-old director Ridley Scott discusses his career retrospectively and uses the opportunity to emphasize that he's far from being done working. Case in point, the two prequels to the Alien franchise that he has lined-up. Director of the original 1979 film, he would have to sit back and watch James Cameron's groundbreaking 1986 sequel, David Fincher's gritty head-scratching third film, a fourth film with Ripley's "clone," as well as the entries in the Alien vs. Predator franchise. Getting the series back to its roots (and beyond,) the franchise's original helmsman seems to have major plans for the revival and wants to go real deep into the mythology of the Alien universe. The question is, will fans be excited enough after the franchise has been essentially watered-down over the years? Scott tends to think so, and he's got no shortage of tricks up his sleeve.

In its apex in popularity with Cameron's film, the Alien franchise was untouchable. Yet, we're now in the ironic position where committing to not one, but two prequels to this still-beloved mega franchise has proven a huge risk. Scott, nevertheless, seems more than aware of that factor and still remains committed to the big revival of our favorite gut-busting, acid-bleeding baddies. However, with the two features set for a 3D release (who'd have thunk it?) and Lost mastermind Damon Lindelof leaving the Island to get on board as chief scribe, its chances may not be that bad.

According to Scott:

"The film will be really tough, really nasty. It's the dark side of the moon. We are talking about gods and engineers. Engineers of space. And were the aliens designed as a form of biological warfare? Or biology that would go in and clean up a planet?"

Based on these hints, it seems that we're looking at an explanation for the Aliens which defies natural evolution. Could we be getting yet another tale about how humanity is so screwed-up that it uses all its resources to enable its own destruction? (Although that tale is more than a bit tired, now.) Or could the comment about "gods and engineers" imply that this may be more of a mythological tale of other-worldly titans, whose powers ultimate bring about a horrible byproduct? (In which case, Sam Worthington will somehow end up in it.) Either way, it's intriguing. What is certain of the storyline, is that the film will be set to take place thirty years before the events of the first film in which Ripley and the crew of the commercial space freighter Nostromo get stuck with the worst...stowaway...ever.

It's also clear from Scott's demeanor, that his plans are quite ambitious. In a sense, losing out on the opportunity to direct the now-legendary 1986 sequel to James Cameron still manages to get his competitive juices flowing. (Especially since Cameron's name is now attached to one of the biggest box-office monsters of all time in the 3D movie with the blue people.) Scott comments on Cameron:

"Jim's raised the bar and I've got to jump to it," he says, in a friendly jibe at Cameron. "He's not going to get away with it."

Ohhhh, IT'S ON!!! Ridley Scott forgives, but don't forget!

How's it looking to you? Can Ridley Scott successfully reinvigorate the franchise he started over 30 years ago? Do the Aliens have enough life left in them to send those Na'vi running for the hills?

Source: The Independent (via MovieWeb)