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New "Alien" film in the works with director Neill Blomkamp

It looks like "Alien" is hatching a return to theaters.

Reports Wednesday said South African director Neill Blomkamp ("District 9," "Elysium") has closed a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop a new film in the Ridley Scott sci-fi franchise.

According to Variety, this is a separate project from "Prometheus 2," which Fox is still making with Scott. Scott is also said to be producing the Blomkamp project.

Blomkamp, whose next film "Chappie" is due out in theaters March 6, confirmed the news on Instagram. "So I think it's officially my next film," he wrote, captioning an image of the film series' famous creature.

Um... So I think it's officially my next film. #alien

A photo posted by Brownsnout (@neillblomkamp) on


The filmmaker had been posting "Alien"-themed images on his Instagram page in recent months, but seemed to indicate the reboot had been abandoned. "Was working on this. Don't think I am anymore. Love it though," he wrote alongside one of the posts.

Was working on this. Don't think I am anymore. Love it though. #alien #xenomorph

A photo posted by Brownsnout (@neillblomkamp) on


Blomkamp's film will reportedly take place after the "Prometheus" sequel. Sigourney Weaver was supposed to reprise her role as Ripley, Variety reports, but it's unclear if she's still attached to the project.

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