With director Danny Boyle returning to the horror franchise he helped start in 28 Years Later, he also reflected on turning down his previous opportunity to direct Alien Resurrection. Boyle’s return in 28 Years Later comes more than two decades after he helped redefine the zombie movie genre with 28 Days Later. The 2002 movie was Boyle’s first horror movie, and he proved to be a true talent for the genre. However, closer to the start of his career, Boyle was offered the chance to direct a sequel in one of the biggest horror franchises of all time.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Boyle explained that he was approached to direct the fourth movie in the Alien franchise, Alien: Resurrection. The movie ended up being directed by French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet, but Boyle was the studio’s first choice for the project, coming off his acclaimed breakout movie, Trainspotting. However, while Boyle was approached late in the process and considered taking on the job, he ultimately turned it down when he decided he couldn’t confidently work with the CGI necessary for the movie:

I met Sigourney Weaver and Winona Ryder, who were attached to it. So obviously it was pretty serious. They were wonderful. But it was the early days of the CG crossover. That moment where it was transitioning. And I couldn’t handle the CG. I was very pᴀssionate about it, because I loved the Alien idea. I just suddenly had a rare moment of clarity, thinking, “You are not the right guy for this.” I went off to make A Life Less Ordinary instead. That was 20th Century folks as well. I didn’t do Alien and I went and made this flop for them instead! But it’s water under the bridge.

What Danny Boyle Turning Down The Directing Job Meant For Alien Resurrection

Alien Resurrection’s Disappointment Changed The Franchise Forever

Alien Resurrection did go ahead with director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, as well as stars Sigourney Weaver and Winona Ryder, but it is largely considered the worst of the Alien movies. The movie received mixed reviews, scoring 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. More damaging was the box office performance of the movie, as Alien Resurrection barely outgrossed Alien 3, the lowest-grossing movie of the Alien franchise, earning a disappointing just over $160 million (via Box Office Mojo). The disappointment of Alien Resurrection put an end to the original series of movies and marked the final appearance of Weaver’s Ellen Ripley.

Following his decision to turn down Alien Resurrection, Danny Boyle struggled to replicate the success of Trainspotting. As the director himself noted, his next movie, A Life Less Ordinary, was a box office bomb. His next movie, The Beach, was also a disappointment, but it ended up being a worthwhile experience, as he met writer Alex Garland. The pair collaborated on 28 Days Later, launching a comeback for Boyle, which eventually led to his Best Director Oscar win for Slumdog Millionaire.

Our Take On Danny Boyle Turning Down Alien Resurrection

Boyle Feels Like The Right Director For An Alien Movie

Alien Resurrection had a lot of issues that director Jean-Pierre Jeunet couldn’t have overcome. The script by Joss Whedon was messy and did seem at odds with Jeunet’s style. The French director is an undeniable talent, having already had success before Alien Resurrection, with Delicatessen and The City of Lost Children, as well as afterward, with the Oscar-nominated Amélie. However, it is hard not to see Danny Boyle as a better choice for an Alien movie.

While Jeunet had a dream-like style, Boyle was visually interesting while also keeping things grounded. He was a better fit for the feel of the Alien franchise, following the work of Ridley Scott and David Fincher. Interestingly, Boyle also went on to direct the underrated sci-fi movie Sunshine, immersing himself in the world of CGI that he previously avoided with Alien Resurrection. It is a thoughtful and intense sci-fi movie with the influences of Alien shining through. However, with 28 Years Later reminding everyone of Boyle’s horror talents, perhaps the opportunity to direct an Alien movie will come up again.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter