In a surprising revelation that has captured fans’ curiosity and dismay, new details have surfaced about a completed but still unreleased anime series centered on the “Aliens vs Predator” franchise.
The unannounced anime series, directed by Shinji Aramaki, was confirmed to have been completed almost seven years ago. The series was crafted with the working title “Aliens vs Predator: Annihilation.” The project consisted of 10 episodes, with the story taking place on a massive ship used for immigration.
Although specific plot details are still a secret, the series explores various Predator factions and the famous aliens from Ridley Scott’s universe.
Aramaki even gave a sneak peek of an Alien Queen design that he personally created for the anime. The series was intended to explore new aspects of the crossover intellectual property (IP), blending elements of the two franchises in a unique way.
Alien Vs. Predator Anime Shelved
The project was led by 21st Century Fox, but after Disney’s acquisition of most of the IPs under 21st Century Fox in 2019, the future of the series became unclear. A report disclosed that Disney shelved the completed 10-episode series following the acquisition.
Josh Izzo, the former Licensing Director at 20th Century Fox, provided insights into the anime series during an episode of “Perfect Organism: The Alien Saga Podcast.” He clarified that the series was fully finished, mixed, and ready for release.
Eric Calderon and Dave Baker produced and crafted the story, with Izzo serving in an informal capacity as the “editorial lore keeper” for the Alien, Predator, and AvP franchises.
Izzo proposed the concept of a direct-to-DVD Alien and/or Alien-Predator animation to Jeffrey Godsick, who was in charge of consumer products at the time. Although the idea was greenlit, several factors, such as Ridley Scott’s return to the franchise and the poor reception of the 2004 movie, led to the project being delayed.
Shinji Aramaki, renowned for his work on “Ultraman,” “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045,” and “Blade Runner: Black Lotus,” hosted a panel at Otakon. There, he displayed screenshots and designs from the anime, though these images have not been found online.
Aramaki also took to social media to confirm the completion of the project and to voice his confusion about why it was never released.
It appears that Disney has significant plans in store for the Alien franchise, including an untitled Alien prequel film slated for release in 2024. While no details about the plot have been revealed, some speculate that launching an anime adaptation might lessen the anticipation for the film.
Another theory is that Disney might be biding its time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to release the anime series. It could be strategically used as promotional material for the upcoming Alien film, aligning the excitement for both projects.
The collaboration between the Alien and Predator franchises in an anime format promises a novel perspective that has never been explored before. Whether Disney will ever unveil this adaptation is still unknown, but the existence of a fully completed series only heightens the anticipation among fans for its potential release.
What are your thoughts on the “Alien vs Predator” anime series? Do you believe Disney will ever release it?
Source: IGN
