Alex De la Iglesia directing Alien? It almost happened

The Alien saga has been an emblem of science fiction cinema since its inception, but few chapters have generated as much controversy as Alien: Resurrection, released in 1997. Considered by some as a daring and original installment, the film did not achieve the same level of enthusiasm among all fans. A notable element of the production is the mix of human and alien DNA that allows the resurrection of Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, which was met with skepticism by many followers of the franchise.

Alien with a Spanish accent

Before it came into the hands of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, renowned directors such as Álex de la Iglesia, Danny Boyle, and Peter Jackson showed interest in directing this fourth installment. De la Iglesia, in an interview, revealed that he received the offer while he was on the set of Titanic, although he already had a commitment with Perdita Durango, which prevented him from accepting the proposal. Despite this, the Spanish director confesses that he would have liked to be part of such an iconic saga.

Since its release, Alien: Resurrection has had a polarized reception both at the box office and among critics. The film grossed 161 million dollars worldwide, an amount that, although solid, fell short of expectations and the earnings of previous installments. This project is framed within a problematic context for the franchise, which was seeking revitalization after the mixed reviews of Alien 3.

For fans who want to relive the saga, all the Alien installments are currently available on Disney+. This offer allows both new viewers and veterans to enjoy Ripley’s adventures, as well as the different visual and narrative styles that have characterized each installment. At a time when debates about the creative directions in the franchise are resurfacing, this is a good moment to reflect on its legacy.

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