Exploring the Parallel Universes of Alien and Avatar: A Shared Future?

For years, fans of science fiction have debated whether the universes of Alien and Avatar could coexist. The two franchises, despite their similarities and thematic overlaps, are officially separate. However, some intriguing connections and parallel elements have led to speculation about a shared universe. Let's delve into the details and explore why this idea fascinates so many sci-fi enthusiasts.

Officially Separate Universes

Despite their similarities, Alien and Avatar exist in distinctly different universes. Alien, created by Ridley Scott, is a science fiction horror franchise set in a dark and dystopian future. The film revolves around a group of crew members and their encounter with an extraterrestrial race known as the Xenomorphs.

Avatar, directed by James Cameron and released in 2009, focuses on the conflict between Earth humans and the Na'vi people of the moon Pandora. While both franchises explore space exploration and encounters with alien life, they have distinct narratives, settings, and characters. There is no official crossover or shared universe between them.

Financial Evidence: A Curious Coincidence?

One minor detail that piques interest is a connection tied to the financial aspects of the films. In Aliens, during the 2122 timeframe, the ship "Mother 328" lost 42 million dollars. In Avatar 2, a vial of brain goo that grants immortality is valued at 80 million dollars in 2164. Both films use dollars, and in both universes, the dollar has a greater value. This suggests that the Federal Reserve seemingly devalued the dollar at a rate of about 100:1.

For instance, a 4.2 billion spaceship in 2122 is worth 42 million, and a 8 billion longevity potion in 2164 is worth 80 million.

Technical and Conceptual Similarities

While there is no explicit on-screen evidence of a shared universe, parallels in technology and themes among the films are striking. The use of advanced mecha, dropships resembling gunships and armed transport helicopters, and a modern-future aesthetic in Avatar echo elements from the gritty, alien-horrific world of Alien.

The technological advancements in Avatar, such as the Pandora air breathable atmosphere and the mecha armour, align with the futuristic yet dystopian landscapes and technologies presented in Alien. This makes it easy to imagine a shared universe where the advanced technology of Avatar could be applied to the harsh and dangerous environments encountered in Alien.

Corporate Domination and Environmental Themes

Another connection lies in the thematic elements of corporate power and environmentalism. Both Alien and Avatar portray a world where large corporations wield significant power and control. In Alien, corporate interests drive the human mission on LV-426, while in Avatar, the mining of the rare mineral, unobtanium, leads to conflict and the need for environmental preservation.

Considering the state of the world in both films and the clear power that large corporations have, it's not unreasonable to believe that Earth and Pandora share a similar geopolitical landscape.

The films also highlight the tension between human expansion and the preservation of indigenous cultures and environments. This shared theme reinforces the idea that the settings of Alien and Avatar could be part of a larger, interconnected universe.

Shared Creations and Setting

Some fans speculate that a shared universe could include films like Blade Runner 2049, Elysium, and even the Alien series. The unobtanium in Avatar serves as a crucial element in both the plot and the technology, and could explain the advanced space travel and habitats seen in other films.

Elysium also features a ring orbiting Earth that requires unobtanium for maintenance, and Blade Runner 2049 presents a dystopian, high-tech future that also aligns with the advanced technology showcased in the Alien and Avatar universes.

Conclusion

While Alien and Avatar are officially separate universes, the thorny details, financial evidence, and thematic similarities make it intriguing to imagine a shared universe. Fans of both franchises can certainly hope for an official crossover or at least a shared cinematic universe, where the advanced technology and environmental themes of Avatar could enrich the gritty, alien-horrific world of Alien.