The Alien vs Predator franchise is a gift that keeps on giving. Since the original comic book series was released in 1989, it has spawned a host of sequels that have delighted an audience eager for more.
The most notable entry within the franchise was the 2004 movie of the same name. Alien vs Predator had moved from the fringes of popular culture and into the mainstream, but the future is set to be even more exciting.
The World of Alien vs Predator
Momentum surrounding the Alien vs Predator franchise gathered pace from the moment the 2004 movie hit the screens. It was a box office smash, grossing over $175 million worldwide. A sequel; Alien vs Predator: Requiem came along three years later, but we certainly weren’t waving goodbye.
Interest in the movie continued with a number of spinoffs in film and TV. Gaming also caught the bug, with new titles in the console category. Even digital casinos became involved with an increase in alien-themed slot games, along with some roulette and blackjack online options that carried similar overtones.
The fascination has continued for over twenty years, but future plans look set to take Alien vs Predator into a whole new orbit.
Origins of the Universes
The Alien Predator Cinematic Universe is a rumored extension to a franchise which focuses on the combination of horror and science fiction. Due to the success of recent releases, there are more plans in the pipeline that will continue to honor the legacy of Alien vs Predator which began to build from its inception in 1989.
The overall series contains a long timeline of films, which actually predate the 2004 release and the combination of Alien and Predator in the late 1980s. Even casual film buffs will be aware that there were originally two different entities.
Alien, directed by the great Ridley Scott and released in 1979, was followed by three sequels. The original Predator, meanwhile, appeared in 1987. The comparisons and contrasts between the two sets of creatures made for a perfect collaboration.
The Alien Predator franchise was born but at that point, two distinct species lived in separate universes.
Warring Factions
Within the franchise there are two separate species, the Yautja and the Xenomorph. Occasional filmgoers will likely be familiar with the releases listed previously, but there are many more contained in the franchise.
Since the original Alien vs Predator movie appeared in 2004, filmgoers have enjoyed Predators, Prometheus, and Alien: Covenant. For those who have yet to embrace the series, there is much to binge watch, but the franchise is constantly unfolding, and there is much more to come.
The Future
The backdrop to the Alien Predator Cinematic theme is well-documented, but what can we expect moving forward? While there is no concrete news as yet, teasers in trailers have hinted at what fans of this franchise can expect.
Exact details will be confirmed, but it’s clear that there are more releases featuring ongoing combinations in the pipeline. Predator: Badlands, Predator, Killer of Killers, and Alien Earth are all rumored to be set for release.
Each will build towards the most significant development in over twenty years; a shared universe where both the Yautja and the Xenomorph co-habit.
Potential Plots
The likelihood of a shared universe has led to a host of theories as to where the new releases will head. We may even find out how the two species originated and did they share a connection before the timeline of movies began?
The answer lies in the plots of Predator: Badlands and Alien: Earth, with suggestions that the storylines will become interconnected. It could even lead to an uneasy truce between the Xenomorph and the Yautja. Anything is possible in the exciting shared Alien Predator universe.
New Technologies
An innovative series such as Alien Predator has always been quick to include new technologies. The first batch of movies have been enhanced by techniques such as 3D and surround sound, and the cinematic experience is incredible.
In the future, virtual reality and augmented reality could also play a huge role. Both of these technologies have been explored within the movie industry, and they would be perfect for a series with stunning imagery such as Alien Predator. We may even see hints of AR and VR in the scheduled movies.
In many movie franchises, the sheer number of releases may have led to overkill, but that hasn’t been the case with Alien vs Predator. Whereas Star Wars may have suffered from a confusing timeline, our two alien species have evolved consistently over the years.
Every release brings a new twist, but the concept of a shared universe is a dramatic leap. It may even be a risk on behalf of the writers and director, but it’s arguably time that the Yautja and the Xenomorph emerged from their different realms, ahead of what is set to be a fascinating new chapter for this exceptional franchise.
