Disney is reportedly adding all of the Alien movies to its vault, a new report by Vulture suggests. Disney has been well known for vaulting its own iconic film properties as a means of increasing demand for its titles - a tactic not many fans are fans of, but a tactic which will soon be undone with the launch of its streaming service, Disney+. However, Alien and other Fox properties will still be locked away in an effort to combat independent theaters and chains from profiting by screening those classic films. It is suggested non-profit theaters will still be allowed to screen Alien movies, though:
In August, Rachel Fox, the senior programmer for the Rio Theater near Vancouver, tried to book the original Alien to play alongside the upcoming Alien making-of documentary, Memory: The Origins of Alien. Disney told her that the title was unavailable, even though Alien has had one-off screenings in theaters all over North America throughout 2019, the movie’s 40th anniversary year, and is being shown via satellite in hundreds of theaters by Fathom Events this month.
Disney officially declined to comment for this piece, but a film distributor with firsthand knowledge of the company’s policy says it is directed at theaters that screen first-run Disney and Fox content alongside older titles. The distributor said that screenings of vintage Fox films would still be allowed at nonprofit theaters such as Film Forum in New York and Segundo’s Old Town Music Hall, and in some other venues, including outdoor screenings in public spaces and at museums and cultural institutions (particularly ones dedicated to cinema, such as the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York, and the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago).
Despite Disney adding the Alien films to its vault, no additional news has yet been released regarding any upcoming / future Alien films. Last we heard, a script was currently being written, however that was back in the summer and since then, it's been radio silence from Disney.
On a lighter note, an Alien TV series is reportedly in development at Hulu and will look at exploring and expanding the Alien cinematic universe.
As we learn more about Disney's plans with Alien, we'll be sure to keep you posted!
If you're a fan of Alien / Prometheus and would like to discuss Alien: Covenant and its upcoming sequel with other like-minded fans, be sure to join in our Alien: Covenant forum! Ranked the #1 Prometheus forum back in 2012 and reigning as the web's top Alien: Covenant fan site, it's a great place to discuss the upcoming Prometheus sequels, dissect details from every trailer and engage with other fans just like you.
The future of Alien
The Alien franchise is taking a dramatic turn at 20th Century Studios, now owned by Disney. Currently there are two major Alien projects in development - a new Alien TV series by Noah Hawley and a new, stand-alone Alien movie being directed by Fede Alvarez. Both of which will be taking the franchise in a new direction - moving away from the Alien prequel direction Ridley Scott set out to pursue back in 2012.
Treat yourself to some Alien Merchandise!
As we await the next Alien movie, now is a great time to build your Alien collection and expand your Alien-themed wardrobe. Check out some products below and click here for even more options!
Stay up to date with the latest news and updates on all things Alien by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter and Instagram! You can also subscribe your email to our blog for instant notifications of when new posts are made!
