Neill Blomkamp and Sigourney Weaver Reveal Details About Next 'Alien' Film

We recently reported that Chappie director, Neill Blomkamp's persistence is resulting in a new, stand-alone Alien film but the only hints as to what may be heading our way, was through some concept art. Now we have more clues thanks to an exclusive Sky Movies interview with Blomkamp and Ripley herself, Sigourney Weaver.

The Blomkamp-directed, Ridley Scott-produced film will hopefully start production next year and since this is Blomkamp's next project, that goal will most likely be met. We can hope.

So what does he have in store for us? He reveals, “I want this film to feel like it is literally the genetic sibling of Aliens, so it’s Alien, Aliens and then this film.” He also stated, “It’s a Freudian nightmare. That element to me is what is so appealing; to put the audience on the edge of their seat the whole time in a traditional, monster-stalking-you, dark-corridor-way. I love that. And then when you mix in all of the deign elements and the life cycle of the alien, it’s a powder keg of creativity for me.”

So far, so good but how does Weaver feel? She mentions, “I would love to take Ripley out of sort of orbiting around in space and give a proper finish to what was such an excellent story. So when someone like Neill Blomkamp said, ‘Well, I’m interested in finishing the story,’ my little ears perked up… I think it’s a great series. It deserves a proper ending—I know the fans would love that.”

Would we? It should be interesting to see how this pans out and we'll keep you posted on any more luscious bites on this film. UPDATE: The video has been made private but the quotes above are the meat of the one and a half minute interview.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Alien: Isolation' Officially Announced By SEGA

It was 35 years ago that audiences were terrified by a film that threatened, "In space, no one can hear you scream." The film was called "Alien" and fans can now engage in a terrifying experience, playing as Ripley's daughter, Amanda, with SEGA's soon-to-be-released, "Alien: Isolation." Three years in the making, SEGA finally made it official in an announcement via press release. Although discussion of the game and its features have been speculated on since October, we now have confirmation and the game is set to be released in late 2014.

"Alien: Isolation" is described as "...a thrilling first-person survival horror experience that will focus on capturing the horror and tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic film. Developed by Creative Assembly, "Alien: Isolation" is due for release in late 2014 on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC."

AMC Orders Two New Pilots: 'Knifeman' and 'Galyntine'

AMC is hoping they strike gold again like they have with “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad.” They’ve recently ordered two new pilots, one is set in 18th century London and one in a post-apocalyptic world. The LA Times reported on “Knifeman” and “Galyntine” (rhymes with Valentine?) and revealed the plots.

The brutally titled, “Knifeman,” appears to have a brutal basis; here is the official synopsis...

Set in 18th century London, "Knifeman" will focus on the untold story of a charming, arrogant, decorum-breaking genius who challenges societal norms to transform his visions into cutting-edge discoveries. A surgeon or “barber” in a time when blood-letting and praying was the norm, John Tattersal is a hard drinking, hard living man not afraid to push the boundaries of modern medicine, even if it takes digging up a few graves to do it.
While he makes his living running an unlicensed operating theatre out of his residence, he picks up extra cash harvesting organs for his brother Julian, favorite son and prized physician of the St. Stephen’s teaching hospital. "Knifeman" is a fast paced, entertaining romp filled with emotion, tackling dark themes with a biting wit. The pilot was written by Rolin Jones ("United States of Tara") and developed by Jones and Ron Fitzgerald ("Last Resort"), both of whom will serve as executive producers. Media Rights Capital ("House of Cards"), Josh Donnen and Robert Zotnowski are also executive producers. Knifeman is inspired by the biography of John Hunter by Wendy Moore, “The Knife Man: Blood, Body Snatching and the Birth of Modern Surgery.”

Philip K. Dick miniseries coming to Syfy

The work of highly prolific novelist Philip K. Dick has been the basis for some huge Hollywood films. Namely, the 1982 blockbuster Ridley Scott-directed opus Blade Runner, as well as the 1990 and 2012 versions of Total Recall.

Now, according to a recent press release from Syfy, a deal has been finalized to adapt his Hugo Award-winning novel The Man in the High Castle into a 4-hour miniseries.

The release states that, "Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions will produce the project with Headline Pictures, Electric Shepherd Productions and FremantleMedia International." The first two hours of the series will be penned by Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files), who will also serve as Executive Producer. Spotnitz will supervise the writing for the final two hours but no writer has been chosen.

The Man in the High Castle is a chilling depiction of an "alternate history" in which the victors of WWII were Nazi Germany and Japan. The setting is 1962 where "the Axis Powers occupy the United States, where fascism rules and the few surviving Jews hide under assumed names."

According to Mark Stern, President of Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head, Original Content, Universal Cable Productions, "Alternate history stories are part of an amazing and intricate genre of sci-fi. When done well, there’s nothing better; and I can’t think of better creative talent to bring Philip K. Dick’s fascinating alternate-history thriller to life than Ridley Scott and Frank Spotnitz."

No air date for the drama has been scheduled but we’ll keep you up-to-date on any news related to the miniseries.

-Larissa Mrykalo