New Hulu Plans Could Help Save Alien & Predator Franchises

For the long-running Alien and Predator franchises, a renewed focus on Hulu’s streaming service could save both of them. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios’ president, Steve Asbell, outlined plans for the former Fox Studio’s expanded presence on Hulu with more exclusive films. With several timeline changes, reboots, and prequels or sequels damaged by executive meddling ever since the troubled production of Alien 3 in 1992, both franchises have been overdue for a refresh. In the form of Hulu, both killer extraterrestrials will have a long-term home in which to survive and thrive.

For much of the Alien and Predator franchises’ lifespans, reshoots and production woes have been a constant. Post-production changes teasing future installments and upping gore without substance having damaged many installments, such as 2018’s The Predator and the previously mentioned Alien 3. As such, a more niche Hulu move will mean that Alien and Predator can be free from these executive shackles. With less demands relating to studio profits and test audience scores, both series can return to their original roots and expand upon them in creatively fresh and exciting ways.

In the series’ pasts, changes in tone and ambition were a constant. While moving from the jungle to the streets of Los Angeles might not have been the best decision for Predator 2, a genre change from horror to action worked for Aliens. However, the theatrical landscape has changed much since the 1979 debut of the first Alien. Audiences are more familiar with the established templates of Fast & Furious and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a result, the demand for more bold directions with these kinds of franchises has been oriented towards streaming. For Alien and Predator, this kind of plan is perfect. On Hulu, these plans are already being put into motion.

Prey, a Comanche Indian-focused Predator film from 10 Cloverfield Lane‘s Dan Trachtenberg, is already set for a Hulu release this summer. For the Alien franchise, two projects are undergoing development, with both also teasing new and engaging directions for it. A prequel TV series by Fargo‘s Noah Hawley promises an exploration of the series’ past separate from Prometheus, while Don’t Breathe’s Fede Álvarez is set to make a new film separate from Ripley and the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. With no box office worries in mind, these kinds of projects are only the beginning. Even then, there is still the question of getting people to watch these new takes. As a result, the Alien and Predator franchises have one more ace up their sleeves for a Hulu-centric future.

With changing theatrical tastes in mind, there is the constant issue of finding an appropriate release window to avoid the traditional blockbusters that dominate the market today. New Marvel and DC installments, along with that of reliable stalwarts such as Mission: Impossible and John Wick, make putting any other kind of film out for a profit near impossible. On streaming, this is much less of an issue, as audiences have much more freedom to explore and discover recent titles at their own leisure. For Alien and Predator, which have slowly begun to evolve into niche titles with more recent installments, this is perfect.

Disney’s recent plans for the former 20th Century Fox, allowing it to produce more films exclusive to Hulu instead of releasing theatrically, could be the best move for the Alien and Predatorfranchises. With the move’s potential for less executive oversight, unexpected creative avenues, and a less restrictive streaming market, it is likely that audiences have seen far from the last chest-burster or human-hunter yet.

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