Internet doommongers have been tutting and ostentatiously looking at their watches lately, wondering why we've heard nothing of Neill Blomkamp's developing Alien sequel for a few months. Some have decided that the project is already quietly disappearing, but Michael Biehn and a source in Fox's orbit have now both come out to insist it's still very much a priority. The delay is simply about it being handled with care, is the official line. But there is another issue holding it up: Ridley Scott wants it to happen after **Prometheus 2.
“Alien 5 is still very much in the works," is the direct quote from BD's mysterious mole, "as Fox remains hot on the idea. Blomkamp continues to work on the script (only an outline existed previously) and refine the tale he is telling. Ridley Scott is still producing, but has insisted on Prometheus 2 being made first.”
In this far-from-officially-confirmed timeline, Scott will direct Prometheus 2 early next year for a release in 2017 (which would be news in itself). Blomkamp would then shoot Alien 5 sometime in 2017 for release in 2018. That gives Blomkamp ample time to sink his teeth into developing his Alien thoroughly: time that's clearly necessary if there still isn't even a screenplay.
Last we heard of Prometheus 2, about this time last year, Scott was underlining that there'd still be no Xenomorphs, because "that beast is cooked". It's all about the Engineers now. Michael Green (Green Lantern) has been working on the screenplay started by Jack Paglan (Transcendence), and Noomi Rapace and MIchael Fassbender look set to return.
Scott's The Martian, meanwhile, is out on September 30. Check back here for a new trailer later today.