Disney is apparently sitting on an unreleased Alien vs. Predator anime series

(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Director Shinji Arakami has confirmed rumors that he helmed an unreleased Alien vs. Predator anime.

Speaking at anime convention Otakon (H/T Anime News Network), Arakami confirmed that work on the series was "completed almost seven years ago" but he "didn’t know why they didn’t release [the series]".

Aramaki detailed plot points from the anime, namely that the series would have taken place on a ‘giant immigration ship'. The director, who has helmed Blade Runner: Black Lotus and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, also revealed designs of an Alien Queen to convention-goers.

Previously, producer Joshua Izzo told the Perfect Organism Podcast (H/T IGN) that: "There is, sitting at Disney now, at 20th [Century] Studios, 10 episodes of a fully completed Alien vs. Predator anime series that I produced. It’s done. It’s in the can. It’s mixed, it’s finished. It was produced and [the] story cracked." Disney now owns the rights to the Alien vs. Predator franchise, having acquired 21st Century Fox in March 2019.

If you ask us, there’s never been a better time to release it. Some of the best anime series, including Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, are cutting through to a wider audience and crossovers are all the rage nowadays. If it was as far along as it appears, hopefully Disney can open up the vault and dust off a potential cult classic.

While there’s still radio silence on an Alien vs. Predator anime, a Fede Alvarez-directed Alien movie has now wrapped filming – and here’s the the first (facehugging) behind-the-scenes shot from production.

For more from the world of anime, check out our guide to Demon Slayer season 4. If you want things that go bump in the night, here's our rundown of new horror movies.

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.