How a script for 'Alien 3' eventually evolved into Vin Diesel's best film by far
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Known for groundbreaking visual and special effects, existential themes and blend of genres, 'Alien' franchise also has an ill reputation for its tumultuous production history, marked by numerous delays, frequent changes in directors and writers, and significant script revisions.
Fortunately, this hasn't been only a drawback as it ends up shaping the franchise in unique ways, leading to its creative evolution. Somewhat similar happened to 'Alien 3' (a 1992 film) which had multiple scripts from different screenwriters before finally going ahead with Vincent Ward's version.
David Twohy's rejected 'Alien 3' script was recycled for 'Pitch Black'
David Twohy's original 'Alien 3' script featured a prison planet which was being used for illegal experiments on the aliens for a Biological Warfare division. This version, however, was deemed too similar to previous 'Alien' movies and ultimately shelved.
Twohy didn't let his ideas go to waste. He saw potential in the prison planet concept and repurposed it into what would become 'Pitch Black'.
'Pitch Black', directed by David Twohy, stars Vin Diesel as Richard B Riddick, a notorious criminal who finds himself in the unlikely role of protector against deadly creatures on a desolate planet.
The dark, gritty atmosphere and the theme of survival against monstrous creatures transitioned seamlessly from his 'Alien 3' draft to the new story. Interestingly, elements like glowworms illuminating dark areas in his 'Alien 3' script made their way into 'Pitch Black', showcasing how interconnected these projects were.
The main protagonist in Twohy's 'Alien 3' draft, Styles, can be seen as a precursor to Riddick. Both characters are tough, resourceful, and morally ambiguous, traits that have made Riddick a beloved character among sci-fi fans.
While Twohy’s 'Alien 3' script didn’t make the cut, it laid the groundwork for a new narrative that stood on its own merits.
When 'Pitch Black' was finally released in 2000, it received mixed reviews from critics and eventually earned itself a sleeper hit status.
The movie's success paved the way for further exploration of Riddick's universe, proving that a recycled manuscript could indeed fuel a compelling new franchise.
So, next time you watch 'Pitch Black', remember that this intense, suspenseful film was born from the remnants of an 'Alien 3' script.
Meanwhile, hold your horses as 20th Century Studios is ready with seventh installment in the 'Alien' franchise.
'Alien: Romulus' is set between the events of 'Alien' (1979) and 'Aliens' (1986) and follows a group of young space colonists. While exploring an abandoned space station, they encounter the most terrifying creature in space.
How to stream 'Alien: Romulus'?
'Alien: Romulus' is an upcoming sci-fi film starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film was initially scheduled to be released on Hulu, before it was ultimately announced to have a theatrical release.
'Alien: Romulus' is releasing in cinemas on August 16, 2024, followed by its speculated digital premiere on Hulu three months later.
'Alien: Romulus' trailer
