In a recent 3-part interview with LA Times Blog District 9 director Neill Blomkamp revealed his aspirations for a follow up to his surprise summer hit. He was asked about either a TV series, videogame or another feature film. In regards to a video game this is what he had to say:
I play a lot of video games. The idea of “District 9” as a video game stresses me out a little bit because games based on movies rarely work. And movies based on games don’t work — I don’t know what’s up with that.
Obviously the question of why he would want to make Halo then comes up and he said he would “have been the guy that could make it work”. When asked about a TV show, he said he “really wouldn’t want to do it”. But for a feature film he says:
….a sequel might be interesting. I know what I’m doing next so it wouldn’t be right away. But the concept of aliens in Johannesburg is such an appealing idea to me and the issues of race and how they meet. All of the things that I had going on with it. I wouldn’t mind messing around with it again. I’m open to it if the story works and there’s a reason to do it. And [Copley’s character] Wikus is so funny to me, I’m very interested in a sort of passive racist like that. If you go forward [with his story beyond “District 9”] it’s more of a traditional film but if you go backward I’d be intrigued in that. I’m not so interested in aliens coming back and blowing things up but [a prequel] might be interesting.
Lastly, a few hints about his next film (as he said he won’t be doing anything D9 related right away, but another sci-fi film):
The setting for the next film takes place 150 years from now. There are two cities that I’m choosing between. They would play as themselves. They are not in South Africa. The success of “District 9” has made things a lot easier. I can get other things made. The thing I won’t forget though is that you’re really only as good as your last film. The whole flavor-the-week thing — that’s how Hollywood works. If I screw up the next one it will be like I never made “District 9.” I’m totally aware of that. It can all disappear in 30 seconds.
I literally just finished up watching the “filmmaker’s log” special feature on the District 9 Blu-ray, which highlights the entire production. It was amazing to see how down-to-earth Blomkamp was and I’m glad to see he still has his head on straight when it comes to his next film. I don’t know about a D9 prequel, but I can’t wait to see what new idea he comes up with for his next feature.
What do you think about a District 9 prequel? Would you rather see a sequel?