Alien / Predator

Although listed here under a single entry, this dual franchise started as two distinct and seperate projects. Ridley Scott's 1979 film 'Alien' was the first film in the Aliens side of the franchise, while 'Predator' was a product of the mid 1980's.

While 'What ifs' are a staple of Science Fiction boards, matching up various closely matched opponents, they rarely come to anything in the popular media. Usually, legal and creative differences prevent different franchises from collaborating on mutual projects. Thus far, comic books have by far seen the greatest number of cross-overs, compared to other media.

Dark Horse comics were one of the first to popularize an Aliens vs Predator matchup and did write an extensive backstory to explain how the two very different forces came into conflict. The second film in the 'Predator' series also included a hint that the two franchises might be intertwined - the Predator's trophy collection included what appeared to be the skull of a Xenomorph (or 'Alien').

For some years there were rumors of am AvP film - which invariably came to nothing - but meanwhile computer and video games were released, first on Atari's ill-fated Jaguar console but later the PC. Between comic books and electronic games, the AvP franchise showed that it could perhaps have potential comparable to the Alien and Predator franchises which spawned it.

An AvP film was finally released but met mixed reception, largely due to controversial choices in setting and plot. A second film is in the works and may help amend some of the disappointment felt by a significant number of fans. Some rumors suggest that the success of a coherent AvP franchise may encourage the production of a fifth 'Alien' film and/or a third 'Predator' film, although the truth of such rumors is of course open to question.

Record 372 - universe - Last update 27 Sep 2007, 17:07:49

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