Revamping the Alien and Aliens vs. Predators Franchise: A Way Forward

The Alien and Aliens vs. Predators franchises have faced challenges with their recent entries. To restore fan loyalty and audience engagement, it’s time to rethink the direction and focus of these iconic franchises. This article explores potential strategies to revitalize the Alien franchise while addressing fan feedback.

Eliminating Unwanted Content

In order to create a cohesive narrative that resonates with fans, it is crucial to remove the less well-received additions to the franchise. Specifically, all Alien: Covenant, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection should be taken out of canon. These films have received criticism for their lack of alignment with the established Alien universe and the characters' motivations.

Focus on Core Franchise

The core Alien films—Alien, Aliens, and Prometheus—provide a strong foundation for a new direction. These movies establish a compelling and cohesive narrative that fans can rally around. To move forward, future entries should focus on deepening these core stories and exploring new angles that connect with the existing universe.

Developing a Promising Sequel to Prometheus

A sequel to Prometheus offers a unique opportunity to address unanswered questions and revisit the themes of the original. This sequel should be marketed as an adventurous exploration, delving into the origins of humanity and the Xenomorphs. It is essential to hire a better screenwriter to ensure that the plot is engaging and coherent.

Addressing Fan Feedback

When Ridley Scott's Alien prequels were released, they garnered mixed reviews. Alien: Covenant in particular has faced criticism for its theological overtones and contradicting plot elements. Fans want to see a return to the simplicity and mystery of the original Alien films. Future films should avoid overly complex canon-building and instead focus on storytelling that resonates with the essence of the franchise.

Key Reshaping Strategies

Eliminate unhelpful content: Remove Alien: Covenant, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection from canon to establish a clear narrative path. Focus on core franchise: Reinforce the stories of Alien, Aliens, and Prometheus as the foundation for new storytelling. Market a new Prometheus sequel: Promote a sequel to Prometheus as an adventurous exploration of human and alien origins. Avoid complex canon-building: Simplify explanations and focus on consistent, engaging narratives.

The Alien franchise has enormous potential, and by addressing fan feedback and reshaping the narrative direction, it can once again capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. Fans want a franchise that boldly explores the mystery and wonder of the unknown, and with the right approach, this can be achieved.

Conclusion

By eliminating the less well-received content, focusing on the core franchise, developing a promising sequel to Prometheus, and avoiding complex canon-building, the Alien and Aliens vs. Predators franchises can regain their footing and return to the top of the horror and sci-fi genres. It is time to revisit the origins of the franchise with fresh and engaging stories that pay homage to the iconic characters and worlds that fans have come to love.