A few months back came the rumour that “Whalefall” writer/director Brian Duffield was writing a new “Alien” film at 20th Century Studios. Now, out promoting that diver-swallowed-by-a-whale survival thriller, Duffield has cleared up those reports.
When they initially came, it was never clear if it was a new project or a new draft of the proposed “Alien: Romulus” sequel. Confusion has also stirred regarding just where the franchise will go next and how involved Ridley Scott will be as he’s expressed interest in doing a follow-up to “Alien: Covenant”.
Speaking to THR this week, Duffield did confirm he did some rewriting on an “Alien” project, but his involvement was brief:
“I’m not doing an Alien movie. I know how the rumor started, but no one’s ever asked me to direct an Alien movie. 20th needed some [writing] help for a couple of weeks, and I helped while I was doing ‘Whalefall’ because it’s the same people and studio. So that’s not what’s next for me, but hopefully they get it up and running soon. Those actors are so awesome.”
Duffield didn’t go into specifics regarding whom he meant by “those actors,” but rumours continue to swirl that “Alien: Romulus 2” has stalled despite a high-level 20th Century Studios exec denying such a claim back in August.
We do know Fede Álvarez has stepped away from directing the “Alien: Romulus” follow-up but will stay on board as a producer.
