Danny Boyle’s Missed Blockbusters: Alien, Bond, and Beyond

Danny Boyle Alien Resurrection is a phrase that could have defined a different path in sci-fi cinema. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, acclaimed director Danny Boyle opened up about passing on the opportunity to direct Alien: Resurrection. Boyle, known for atmospheric and innovative storytelling in films like 28 Days Later and Sunshine, shared how he met with stars Sigourney Weaver and Winona Ryder, both already attached to the project.

Why Boyle Turned Down Alien: Resurrection

Boyle initially felt drawn to the Alien franchise because of his admiration for the original film’s concept. However, he admitted that the early days of computer-generated imagery (CGI) were intimidating. “I just couldn’t handle the CG,” he said, and ultimately stepped away from the project. Instead, he directed A Life Less Ordinary—a film that underperformed both critically and commercially.

Bond? Not Quite

Another high-profile project Boyle never landed was the James Bond franchise. Though rumors swirled for years, Boyle clarified that he was never formally approached. When asked about directing a Bond film someday, he joked that he hadn’t been “banging at the door.” While fans might always wonder what a Danny Boyle 007 might’ve looked like, the director has carved out a distinct legacy without it.

From Sunshine to the 28 Years Later Trilogy

Boyle also touched on his long-standing collaboration with writer Alex Garland. The duo initially planned a “planetary trilogy” beginning with Sunshine, which would include three interconnected stories exploring the sun. Although that trilogy never materialized, Boyle praised Garland’s storytelling and hinted that one idea from that era might still find life in a future project.

What’s Next: 28 Years Later

Currently, Boyle is focused on 28 Years Later, the follow-up to the iconic post-apocalyptic saga he helped kick off. Co-directing once again with Garland, this new trilogy explores how a ravaged society might attempt to rebuild after a massive global catastrophe. While he remains tight-lipped about specific plot details, Boyle confirmed the project includes “an extraordinary idea” that fans will not expect.

Final Thoughts

Boyle’s decision to skip Alien: Resurrection may have spared him from a divisive reception, instead paving the way for cult classics like 28 Days Later. Whether or not he ever returns to large-scale franchises like Alien or Bond, it’s clear that Boyle continues to push creative boundaries in sci-fi and beyond.

Source: JoBlo.com