20th Century Studiospresident Steve Asbell reveals what’s in store for ten of the studio’s largest, most recognizable franchises. Known for their handling of iconic series includingAlien,Predator, andDie Hard, the company’s most recentsuccesses includeKingdom of the Planet of the Apes,Alien: Romulus, andDeadpool & Wolverine(a Marvel Studios effort that was associated with 20th Century). Asbell became president of the studio following Disney’s acquisition of the company in 2020.
Following on from the success that summer brought for 20th Century Studios, Asbell opened up toThe Hollywood Reporterabout how the company will attempt to build on its box office hits and revealed what is in store for a handful of their other properties. To begin, Asbell confirmed the story that started inAlien: Romuluswill continue in a sequel, though it is unclear whether Fede Alvarez will return to direct. He said:
We’re working on a sequel idea now. We haven’t quite closed our deal with Fede [Alvarez], but we are going to, and he has an idea that we’re working on. The two survivors, Rain and Andy, played by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, were real highlights of the film. And so I always think of it like, “Wow, where do people want to see them go next?” We know there’s going to be aliens. We know there’s going to be great horror set pieces. But I fell in love with both of them and I want to see what their story is.
AnotherPlanet of the Apesinstallment will also be released in 2027, while a currently unrevealedPredatormovie is also in development alongside the previously confirmedBadlands, which was recently dated for July 13, 2025. The mystery movie will arrive in 2025 as well, and the exec confirmed “we have different plans for [that]. Dan [Trachtenberg] has actually directed both.” Asbell also affirmedAvatar: Fire and Ashis still on schedulefor a December 2025 release after the tragic passing of producer Jon Landau.
Asbell is also “trying so hard” to develop a prequel to 2003’s nautical dramaMaster and Commander, adding,“We have a great script. It just needs the right director.“More Agatha Christie movies are in the works withAnd Then There Were None,Witness for the Prosecution, andMiss Marple, with further adaptations in consideration. Beyond that, Asbell is eager to developSpeed 3with the involvement of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, explaining:
It is one of those last movies that we haven’t remade. And to really be a reason to come back, it’s got to be a great idea and an idea that excites (Bullock and Keanu Reeves). Because that’d be the reason to see it. It’s obviously a really important title for us, but it’s not something we would handle lightly or just attempt to press them into service.They’d have to be a part of the development of that idea.
The president also revealed that there are no current plans to continue either theKingsmanorDie Hardfranchises, whileFree Guy 2is also not in active development. RegardingFree Guy 2, Asbell said, “Not yet. [Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds] have to come up with an idea. And they’re just busy.”
What Steve Asbell’s Updates Mean For The Status Of 20th Century Studios
The Company’s 2024 Successes Have Allowed It To Defy Many Fears
Following years of uncertainty, it’s a bit of a relief to hear that20th Century Studios has clear plans up until 2027 and is keen to capitalize on its box office hits. Following Disney’s purchase of the studio, there had been concerns about whether the studio’s output would be scaled down or negatively adjusted by its parent company. Further fears grew in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the studio experimented with streaming releases as opposed to theatrical runs.
Sequel toAlien: Romulusin active development
Two movies slated for release in 2025, includingPredator: Badlands
Avatar: Fire and Ashon track for December 2025 release
No immediate plans for sequel, waiting on an idea
No plans anytime soon
Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None,Witness for the Prosecution,Miss Marpleall in development
Master and Commander
Prequel has script in place, needs a director
No plans
Planet of the Apes
New sequel coming in 2027
Speed
Needs a good idea, and the involvement of Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves
However, 2024 has shown that there is still eagerness from cinemagoers to see the company and its properties thrive. Based on its handling of franchises likeAlienandPredator, it looks likethe studio is now willing to experimentand expand into new storytelling areas, which can only benefit them. All of 20th Century Studios' summer releases hold positions within the top 15 spots of the 2024 domestic box office, even withAlien: Romulus' R ratingpotentially limiting its takings. As such, 20th Century Studios looks to be in a great place going into the next few years.
Our Take On 20th Century Studios' Theatrical Plans
The Studio Isn’t Limiting Its Output
Despite many changes to the company in recent years, it is clearAsbell has a solid vision for taking 20th Century Studios forwardtowards more success. WhileAlien,Avatar,Planet of the Apes, andPredator’s theatrical futuresmay be mostly unsurprising in the wake of their recent successes, it is interesting to see that the studio is also keen on reviving long-dormant properties such asMaster and CommanderandSpeed.The eagerness to dive deeper into Christie’s bibliography is also promising considering the current trend of ensemble murder mysteries onscreen.
While it would also be exciting to see the studio develop more original, never-before-seen projects as opposed to familiar franchises,20th Century Studios' slate is varied and not dedicated to a specific genre, giving audiences plenty of choice. As such,the studio’s upcoming plan has a widespread reachthat can guarantee future success.
