June 9, 2009 The "Alien" prequel may not be such a sure thing after all -- if Ridley Scott doesn't direct. The legendary helmer of the first "Alien" film (and megahits like "Gladiator") has announced his interest to produce but not direct.

Now, Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Fox may not greenlight the film unless Scott directs:

So last week-ish, an "Alien" prequel was greenlit, err announced, Ridley Scott apparently gave his blessing to the project and Tony Scott confirmed the initial report revealing the RSA Films commercial director (RSA is the Scott's company) Carl Erik Rinsch — known for his futuristic style and dino robot work in a Saturn advert among other things — would be at the helm. Nerds rejoiced and some marveled how the "Alien" franchise still had legs considering how sullied it became by the cheap, "Alien Vs. Predator" series. But the project seemed to be moving forward.

Not so fast — this where the proverbial needle scratches the record to a grating halt.

According to Entertainment Weekly — in a piece not online yet (presumably on Hollywood Insider, later today?) — the Scotts may have given final approval of Rinsch, but 20th Century Fox has some conflicting ideas and they don't want to greenlit a seventh, err fifth film ('AVP' apparently lives in fairy land only), without Ridley at the helm.

Adding to the soap opera, it turns out their pick as director is apparently dating Ridley's daughter -- so he is virtually part of the family.

However, his work in commercials is actually quite good. And obviously Ridley would have a strong hand in what is being created on screen. So why not let them take a crack at it with Ridley simply serving as a producer?

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