Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Alien vs. Predator (also known as AVP) is a 2004 science fiction action film that marks the first official crossover between the Alien and Predator franchises. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, the film pits the two iconic extraterrestrial species against each other on Earth, with a group of humans caught in the middle. Set in a remote Antarctic pyramid, AVP explores ancient alien mythology, Predator hunting rituals, and the terrifying Xenomorph hive structure.
While met with mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success and helped introduce the crossover universe to a new generation of fans.
Release Information
Release Date: August 13, 2004 (USA) Director: Paul W. S. Anderson Screenplay: Paul W. S. Anderson Story by: Paul W. S. Anderson, Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett Studio: 20th Century Fox Runtime: 101 minutes (theatrical), 109 minutes (unrated) Rating: PG-13 (theatrical), R (unrated version) Budget: $60 million Box Office: $177 million (worldwide)
Synopsis
A Weyland Industries satellite detects a mysterious heat signature beneath the ice in Antarctica. Billionaire industrialist Charles Bishop Weyland assembles a team of scientists, archaeologists, and engineers to investigate what appears to be a buried ancient pyramid.
Upon arrival, the team discovers a vast subterranean structure that predates all known civilizations. Unbeknownst to them, the pyramid is a hunting ground for the Yautja (Predators), who return every century to test themselves against the Xenomorphs. The humans inadvertently activate the breeding cycle, triggering the release of Xenomorphs from ancient eggs.
Caught between two deadly alien species, the team is hunted down one by one. Alexa Woods, a survival expert and guide, forms an unlikely alliance with one of the Predators to destroy the pyramid and contain the threat.
Main Cast
Sanaa Lathan as Alexa "Lex" Woods Raoul Bova as Sebastian de Rosa Lance Henriksen as Charles Bishop Weyland Ewen Bremner as Graeme Miller Colin Salmon as Max Stafford Tommy Flanagan as Mark Verheiden Carsten Norgaard as Rusten Quinn
Characters
Alexa Woods: A survival expert and guide hired to lead the expedition. She proves resourceful and fearless, ultimately earning the respect of the Predators. Sebastian de Rosa: An Italian archaeologist fascinated by the pyramid’s mixed cultures. Charles Weyland: The aging founder of Weyland Industries. His presence ties the film to the Alien timeline and the android Bishop. Scar: The main Predator who allies with Lex. He marks her as a warrior after they defeat the Xenomorph Queen together.
Xenomorphs
The film reintroduces the full Xenomorph life cycle: Facehugger → Chestburster → Drone Xenomorphs rapidly mature and begin forming a hive inside the pyramid. A newly introduced Alien Queen is used by the Predators to spawn prey for the hunt. The creatures are fast, aggressive, and deadly in confined environments.
Predators
Three young Yautja warriors — Scar, Celtic, and Chopper — descend upon Earth as part of a rite of passage. Their goals:
- Hunt Xenomorphs to earn warrior status
- Retrieve sacred weapons stored in the pyramid
- Avoid dishonor by falling to the prey they seek
The film explores Predator technology, including plasma casters, wrist blades, combisticks, smart discs, and cloaking devices.
Themes
Honor and Survival: The film explores Predator honor culture and Lex’s willingness to fight for survival. Ancient Astronauts: The pyramid reveals a shared history between humans and Yautja, suggesting they influenced ancient civilizations. Corporate Legacy: Charles Weyland serves as a proto-version of the Weyland-Yutani obsession with Xenomorphs. Symbiosis vs. Annihilation: The uneasy alliance between Lex and Scar highlights cooperation amid chaos.
Production
Filming took place in Prague, Czech Republic, with large-scale practical sets built to portray the ancient pyramid. Paul W. S. Anderson, known for his work on Event Horizon and Resident Evil, directed the film with an emphasis on action and mythology.
Creature effects were created by ADI (Amalgamated Dynamics), using a mix of animatronics, practical suits, and CGI for the Queen Alien and large-scale battles. The unrated cut includes extended scenes and more violent kills.
Reception
AVP received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics who felt it diluted the horror and intensity of both franchises. However, fans praised the fan service, creature designs, and the crossover’s action sequences.
Rotten Tomatoes: 21% Metacritic: 29/100 CinemaScore: B
Despite the critical reception, the film was a box office success and led to a sequel: Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007).
Legacy
Alien vs. Predator was the first major cinematic crossover between the Alien and Predator universes, following decades of comic books, novels, and video games. It introduced:
- The AVP timeline, separate from the main Alien films
- The concept of humans fighting alongside Predators
- A reimagined Xenomorph Queen design
- Expanded Predator lore, including rites of passage and ancient hunts
The film helped spark a renewed interest in both franchises throughout the 2000s.
See Also
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
- Xenomorph
- Yautja (Predator species)
- Alien Queen
- Weyland Industries
- AVP Timeline
- Scar (Predator)
- Alexa Woods
- Facehugger
- Pyramid (Antarctica)