20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell reveals what's in store for ten of the studio's largest, most recognizable franchises. Known for their handling of iconic series including Alien, Predator, and Die Hard, the company's most recent successes include Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Alien: Romulus, and Deadpool & 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 to The Hollywood Reporter about 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 in Alien: Romulus will 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.

Another Planet of the Apes installment will also be released in 2027, while a currently unrevealed Predator movie is also in development alongside the previously confirmed Badlands, which was recently dated for November 7, 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 affirmed Avatar: Fire and Ash is still on schedule for a December 2025 release after the tragic ing of producer Jon Landau.

Asbell is also "trying so hard" to develop a prequel to 2003's nautical drama Master and Commander, adding, "We have a great script. It just needs the right director." More Agatha Christie movies are in the works with And Then There Were None, Witness for the Prosecution, and Miss Marple, with further adaptations in consideration. Beyond that, Asbell is eager to develop Speed 3 with 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 try 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 the Kingsman or Die Hard franchises, while Free Guy 2 is also not in active development. Regarding Free 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 that 20th 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.

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 like Alien and Predator, it looks like the studio is now willing to experiment and 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 with Alien: Romulus' R rating potentially 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 clear Asbell has a solid vision for taking 20th Century Studios forward towards more success. While Alien, Avatar, Planet of the Apes, and Predator's theatrical futures may 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 as Master and Commander and Speed. 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 plan has a widespread reach that can guarantee future success.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter