Ridley Scott, currently in the process of directing Gladiator II, recently divulged to Vanity Fair that he was “never asked” to return for any of the first three Alien sequels. He expressed a significant desire to direct Blade Runner 2049. I’m the author of two franchises
, Scott remarked, emphasizing his longstanding involvement with both series.
The Absence from Alien Sequels
Scott shared that working on the original Alien was an early and defining moment in his career. I did ‘Alien’ as my second movie, so I didn’t have much choice.
His exclusion from subsequent films in this foundational franchise raises questions about studio decisions at that time.
The Missed Opportunity with Blade Runner 2049
Decades later, Scott planned to direct Blade Runner 2049.
However, due to scheduling conflicts between Alien: Covenant and Villeneuve’s sequel, he had to appoint Denis Villeneuve as director. Despite recognizing Villeneuve’s contributions, Scott admitted, I was regretful, although he did a good job.
The Dilemma Between Two Projects
A recent revelation to Empire Magazine highlights Scott’s disappointment: I shouldn’t have made this decision […] I should have done Blade Runner 2049.
The conflicting production timelines dictated by Warner Bros meant he couldn’t manage both films simultaneously. He rued not leading the acclaimed project personally.
The Divergent Reception of Covenant and Blade Runner 2049
The films released five months apart—Alien: Covenant in May 2017 and Blade Runner 2049 in October 2017. While Covenant received mixed reviews, Villeneuve’s film gained critical acclaim, even winning several awards including Oscars for Best Visual Effects and Best Cinematography.
The Legacy Continues
The engagement of renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins on Blade Runner 2049, who won an Oscar for his work, contributed significantly to its success. Denis Villeneuve’s direction and vision created an enduring impact on the franchise.
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