The Universes of Blade Runner, Alien and Predator: Exploring the Possible Connections

The Blade Runner franchise, the Alien franchise, and the Predator franchise have each carved out a unique and thrilling arena of their own. However, the question of whether these cinematic universes are interconnected has been a matter of much speculation. Specifically, if the Blade Runner franchise predates the Predator franchise, and Predator precedes Blade Runner, could the Alien vs. Predator (AvP) franchise fall somewhere in the middle?

The Blade Runner Franchise

The Blade Runner franchise has always left a tantalizing mystery, with its intricately crafted dystopian future. Directed by Ridley Scott, the original 1982 film and its subsequent sequels, notably Blade Runner 2049, have established a rich and sprawling universe. While these films present a believable portrayal of a futuristic world where replicants and humans coexist, their connections to other franchises have been mostly left undefined.

The Alien Franchise

The Alien franchise, much like its predecessor, has had its own unique timeline and storytelling. The four core films—Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Predator (1987), and Prometheus (2012)—all feature interconnected themes of space exploration, extraterrestrial life, and survival. However, despite Ridley Scott's involvement in the original trilogy and Prometheus, the Aliens and Alien 3 films, as well as the Alien Resurrection film, are not considered canon by the director.

The Predator Franchise

The Predator franchise occupies a perpetually mysterious and unknown world. The films feature a set of skilled predators with unique hunting techniques and technology. Although there is no direct crossover with other franchises, the world of the Predator films is one that shares many common themes with other sci-fi classics, such as spaceships, alien races, and survival against impossible odds.

Understanding the Connections

Ridley Scott has stated that the Alien and Blade Runner franchises are in the same universe but with no explicit mention of each other’s existence. This means that the Blade Runner 2049 and Alien: Covenant (2017) films, for example, share a common mythos but operate independently in their respective storylines. The Predator franchise, having broken ties with the Alien franchise as a result of the failure of the Alien vs. Predator (AvP) films, remains a standalone entity.

The Placement of the AvP Franchise

Given these nuances, one could argue that the Alien vs. Predator franchise likely exists somewhere in the midpoint between the worlds of Alien and Predator. This speculation emerges from the fact that both franchises share similar thematic elements and are set in a parallel universe of space exploration, extraterrestrial encounters, and deadly combat. The Alien vs. Predator films, despite being fan films and not officially sanctioned by the studios, have created a bridge between the two universes, suggesting a possible shared timeline or parallel dimensions.

Conclusion

While the exact placement of the Alien vs. Predator franchise within the larger sci-fi landscape of Blade Runner and Predator remains speculative, the shared themes and parallels hint at a potential interconnection. This intricate web of interconnected stories and themes suggests that, even without explicit mention, these franchises share a common DNA, making it plausible to consider the Alien vs. Predator franchise as a middle ground between the universes of Blade Runner and Predator.