Overview
- Recent accomplishments within the Alien and Predator franchises signal an opportune moment for a crossover.
- The Predator series experienced a revival with the critically acclaimed 2022 film, Prey, and two sequels are currently in the pipeline.
- The Alien franchise has gained traction with the release of Alien: Romulus in 2024, while a new television series is expected in 2025.
The Xenomorph from the Alien universe and the Predator are undoubtedly two iconic figures in horror cinema. While past attempts to merge these two legendary franchises have largely missed the mark, recent successes indicate that the time is ripe for a fresh attempt at an Alien vs Predator crossover.
The Alien franchise boasts seven main movies starting with Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking Alien in 1979. Prior to this, the Predator first roared onto screens in 1987’s Predator, which introduced audiences to the Yautja, a ruthless extraterrestrial species that hunts humans for sport. Though the two franchises collided in the 2004 film Alien vs. Predator, which was met with a dismal 21% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and its sequel in 2007, Alien vs. Predator: Requiem, which fared even worse at 12%, the current landscape suggests a lucrative opportunity for these franchises to reunite.
Revitalization of the Predator Series with Prey
While previous reboots such as Predators (2010) and The Predator (2018) failed to resonate with audiences, 2022’s Prey marked a triumphant return for the franchise. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this installment set in the 1700s chronicles a Comanche warrior’s battle against the intimidating Predator. The film garnered immense popularity, becoming Hulu’s most-watched premiere to date in the United States and on Star in other regions, while achieving a remarkable 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes — the highest in the entire franchise.
The overwhelming success of Prey has spawned multiple sequels. Anticipated next is Predator Badlands, slated for release in 2025, which, though not a direct continuation, retains Trachtenberg as director with Elle Fanning in the leading role. Furthermore, exciting news emerged about an additional secret Predator project, reportedly animated, also under Trachtenberg’s direction, set to release in 2025, promising a thrilling year ahead for the franchise.
The Success of Alien Romulus
On the other hand, the Alien franchise has also enjoyed a resurgence, largely due to Fede Alvarez’s critically acclaimed 2024 film, Alien: Romulus. This movie represents a return to the franchise’s core principles, following the storyline shortly after the original Alien. It introduces a new ensemble of characters who explore an abandoned research outpost only to encounter a hive of Xenomorphs. Employing practical effects and emphasizing atmospheric horror, Alien: Romulus achieved commercial success, grossing $350 million globally and securing an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it among the franchise’s top contenders after the original films.
The triumph of Alien: Romulus has already sparked discussions for a sequel, with Alvarez expected to reprise his role. Additionally, fans can look forward to the next chapter in the franchise with FX’s Alien: Earth, a prequel by Noah Hawley set to premiere in 2025, which will delve into the events leading up to the iconic Alien narrative as Xenomorphs infiltrate Earth.
The Time for a Crossover is Now
The recent momentum of both the Alien and Predator franchises showcases their capacity for renewed interest and profitability in today’s cinematic landscape. New releases are performing well, and a wealth of fresh content is on the horizon, signaling that now is an ideal moment for a crossover.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Steve Asbell, Head of 20th Century Studios, hinted at the potential for a new crossover while emphasizing an organic narrative approach: “If we do this, they’ll be organically created out of these two franchises that we’ve continued with characters that we fall in love with.” Rather than attaching the label Alien vs. Predator to a film, Asbell envisions a richer foundational build-up, setting the stage for a meaningful merge of narratives.
This fresh perspective could address the shortcomings of prior standalone films, establishing a more cohesive character and lore development that audiences can invest in. With the current upswing in both franchises and a broader cultural appetite, a well-executed reboot of Alien vs. Predator could whet the appetite of fans and newly curious viewers alike, making this an opportune moment to forge ahead.
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