Kinberg And Blomkamp Board Robinson's THE LEVIATHAN

It wasn't too long ago that Irish filmmaker Ruairí Robinson impressed the hell out of the internet with The Leviathan, an original short conceptual sci-fi video with fitting nods to Moby Dick, set in the 22nd century where mankind has colonized many worlds and supraluminal travel is made possible by harvesting exotic matter from eggs of large creatures. It's been scoring points since making the rounds earlier this month and fans and critics have been advocating in support of Robinson and his contribution to the genre as an independent piece completed thanks in part to financing from the Irish Film Board and a jestful moment with Fight Club (1999) and Jumper (2008) scribe Jim Uhls which evidently spawned the creativity we now see in the video.

This week, it's all turning out quite favorably for Robinson with all the publicity he's been getting, now with word from Deadline that X-Men franchise scribe and film producer Simon Kinberg and District 9, Elysium and Chappie helmer Neill Blomkamp are on board as producer and executive producer, resepctively. The two beat out a whole roster of names looking to back the project with Kinberg whose first-look deal with 20th Century Fox could grant The Leviathan the backing it needs, and rightfully so. Blomkamp's attachment also lends credibility and significance to the project having lately become a champion favorite of sci-fi and fantasy storytelling among the niche, particularly since solidifying his position last month to direct the next Alien movie with Sigorney Weaver (and maybe Michael Biehn).

If this is at all news to you, then I invite you watch this concept below. This is about to be huge and you may not want to sleep on this.

Neill Blomkamp Officially Announces ALIEN Sequel

Put a little concept art online and people lose their minds! In this case, we veer over to the viral artwork of District 9 and Elysium helmer Neill Blomkamp whose conceptual pieces have been making the rounds for sometime now with reference to the once short-lived prospects of an Alien sequel.

The original franchise launched by director Ridley Scott in 1979. Starring actress Sigourney Weaver, the film spawned massive cult acclaim among sci-fi geeks, as well as a four-film series in addition to two vs. Preadator-crossover films between 2004 and 2007 before Scott took the helm for the 2012 release of Prometheus, attempting to establish an origin telling in the process. Generally speaking, it wasn't exactly what fans wanted but the film did enough for a sequel which is now in development...but that's not all.

It was during the production of Blomkamp's upcoming March release of Chappie that several discussions were had with co-star, actress Weaver on hand; Weaver's interest in a new film after Alien: Resurrection has been nothing short of unrelenting despite ideas that fell short of expectations from folks like Avengers helmer Joss Whedon and Aliens director James Cameron. That said, it was at the top of the year that Blomkamp's longstanding concept art for new Alien movie not only drew support from fans of the franchise throughout the web, but also induced petitions to get Blomkamp on board for an Alien movie based on his concepts.

Well, low and behold...while it's not clear if the peitions had the desired affect, it does appear VERY clear that fans are finally getting their wish according to an Instagram post by Blomkamp verifying that he will be sitting in the director's chair for HIS Alien movie. There is no script yet for the film, nor is there one for a Prometheus sequel just yet, but the word also is that Scott is producing the new Alien film as well. The news is just developing and as far as casting goes, we could very well be seeing the return of Weaver in the role of Ripley soon enough, among other possibilities.

At any rate, this is what the fans want, so it's what the fans will get, and at last, the internet wins...but the waiting game has just begun!

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

A photo posted by Brownsnout (@neillblomkamp) on Feb 18, 2015 at 3:55pm PST

H/T: Deadline, Slashfilm

CHAPPIE: Watch The UK Trailer And Latest US TV Spot

Admittedly, a film like director Neill Blomkamp's sci-fi epic, Chappie is something many of us have seen before, though in its visionary application, it appeals as one of the latest ambitious original ideas to set foot in the world of film. Moreover, the very addition of actor Sharlto Copley in the title role serves as a credit to the strengths shared between him and Blomkamp in their long friendship and partnership in film, and it shows in the recognition they've continually received in District 9 and Elysium just over a year ago.

Blomkamp's vision for a sci-fi universe is one that works so well with a certain majesty in his scope that bodes well along the lines of other director favorites like Guillermo Del Toro or even Ridley Scott - the latter once servicing a potential chance to contribute to the Alien franchise. No, we probably won't get to see that day come which is unfortunate. Nonetheless, Blomkamp still has his own successes to grow on, for this, we can certainly expect to have a great time with Chappie in a few months.

On that note, the film has an international trailer and a brand new TV spot below. Enjoy those and stick around for more updates!

CHAPPIE Takes On Big Robots And Bigger Dreams In A New Trailer!

If not for the fact that District 9 and Elysium helmer, South Africa's own Neill Blomkamp was the go-to-guy at one point earlier on for an Alien film, there's a reason why filmgoers love him. Simply put, while the former title does outweigh the latter in some areas, he's good at what he does, and clearly it shows. Alas when you look at his latest offering in the new sci-fi thriller, Chappie, of course you might be thinking Short Circuit by way of iRobot and Robocop, and you may be right, as well in for another possible cinematic treat!

SYNOPSIS:

Every child comes into the world full of promise, and none more so than Chappie: he is gifted, special, a prodigy. Like any child, Chappie will come under the influence of his surroundings – some good, some bad – and he will rely on his heart and soul to find his way in the world and become his own man. But there's one thing that makes Chappie different from anyone else: he is a robot. The first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. His life, his story, will change the way the world looks at robots and humans forever.

Sharlto Copley reunites with Blomkamp in a career that has seen our actor in many larger-than-life dimensions, even as his inherited role from Scott Bakula in the A-Team remake was shortlived. Time and again, the two prove consistently to be a formula that work, and Chappie certainly aims to do the same, featuring a stellar cast that includes Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel, Alien franchise star Sigourney Weaver and X-Men favorite Hugh Jackman, in addition to an assortment of deadly robots and awesome mech gear. Yes, this looks awesome.

Watch the trailer and mark your calendars for March 6!