'Alien' Attraction Planned For Disney World

Since acquiring brands like 20th Century Studios and Hulu, Disney has been experimenting with more and more mature subject matter. Although many might find it shocking to see so much adult content on platforms like Disney+, it has opened the door for some rather strange and usual creations, including a return to Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise.

Ripley and the xenomorph up close and personal in 'Alien 3' — Credit: 20th Century Studios

In partnership with FX, Disney is reigniting the classic sci-fi thriller franchise with a new television series from Noah Hawley, with Scott serving as producer. The new series, titled simply “Alien,” is set to be a prequel/reboot to the 1979 horror feature, and just added Wheel of Times’ Sandra Yi Sencindiver to its latest cast list update, and it’s shaping up to be a powerhouse of talent.

The official descriptor from The Economic Times describes the show with the following synopsis,

“Set approximately 70 years in the future, the series, a departure for the franchise, unfolds on Earth. While plot details are tightly guarded, the narrative is expected to delve into the origins of the Weyland Corporation and the events paving the way for the discovery of the menacing Xenomorphs during space exploration.”

That’s certainly a gripping premise for another entry into the franchise, but can a series known for its body horror, gruesome effects, and extraterrestrial monsters really succeed under the Disney brand? It’s more likely than you might think.

Disney Returns to Alien

Not only is Disney the hand behind the new franchise inspired by the sci-fi horror classic, but the trailer for Alien: Romulus also appeared on the Walt Disney Company’s official website. It seems like Disney is going all in on the Xenomorphs and Facehuggers, but hardcore fans know Disney has roots with the series that stretches way before the studio acquired Fox and Hulu.

Those familiar with the days of the Eisner administration might recall a delightful attraction known as the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. One of the most intense sequences of that attraction was escaping the Nostromo with Ripley while being chased by the titular alien as it ripped its way from the walls and the ceiling while spitting “acid” onto frightened guests. As memorable as that scene was, it might have been something of a last-minute addition.

Disney’s Nostromo

Disney Magazine shows Alien ride — Credit: D23

Shortly after the original film was released in 1979, Disney wanted an Alien-inspired attraction to replace Tomorrowland’s Mission to Mars. The unrealized project, Nostromo, was meant to be a dark ride where guests would have shot blasters at encroaching Xenomorphs. Unfortunately, the design was scrapped, as Disney Imagineering had reservations about making a ride based on an R-rated movie.

Related: Disney Horror Cinematic Universe Reportedly in the Works

Sometime later, Disney collaborated with Star Wars creator George Lucas to bring guests ExtraTERRORestrial: Alien Encounter. This immersive attraction put visitors in a locked chamber with a predatory alien monster. The result was an attraction that has since been considered the scariest in the company’s history. Now that the studio is interested in the franchise again, could it be time to revisit the old concept?

At the time of writing, the Alien TV series is set to release in 2025, while Alien: Romulus will hit theaters on August 16, 2024. Until then, fans can only binge-watch the rest of the movies and speculate about what cosmic horrors Disney has in store.

Did you survive an Alien Encounter? Are you excited about another Xenomorph movie? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!