R.I.P.: David Giler, Alien franchise writer/producer, has passed away

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Earlier this year, we heard the intriguing news that Alien producers Walter Hill and David Giler had written a 50 page treatment for a sequel that would bring Sigourney Weaver back to the series and tell a scary story while also serving as "a meditation on both the universe of the Alien franchise and the destiny of the character of Lt. Ellen Ripley". We haven't heard any more about that potential project, but now we have to share the sad news that Giler has passed away from cancer at the age of 77.

Hill released the following statement: 

If you knew David, you knew he was special. The magic of his personality is hard to describe: funny, angry, extremely knowledgeable, extremely well read; it was my privilege to write and produce with him, and more importantly, to have his close and deep friendship for nearly 50 years."

Giler got into the entertainment industry with an acting role in a 1954 episode of The Ford Television Theatre, and in the '60s started earning writing credits on episodes of shows like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. His first feature writing credit was on the 1970 adaptation of the Gore Vidal novel Myra Breckinridge, and from there he wrote the likes of The Parallax View, Fun with Dick and Jane, Southern Comfort, The Money Pit, and Undisputed, with some uncredited work on Beverly Hills Cop II.

The working relationship between Hill and Giler began when they formed Brandywine Productions to produce 1979's Alien, which they also did some uncredited writing on. The duo have been credited as producers on every Alien film since, and while they had less creative control over later installments, they were very hands-on at the start, even writing the story for Aliens and working on the script for Alien 3. They also produced the Tales from the Crypt anthology series together.

Giler's sole directing credit was on the 1975 crime comedy The Black Bird, which starred George Segal as Sam Spade Jr.

In the early '70s, Giler was briefly married to actress Nancy Kwan. He is survived by his sister Kendall Giler. Buddhist memorial services will be held for him in Bangkok, his home at the time of his death.

Giler's name may not be as well known as some of his collaborators', but he contributed a lot to the world of cinema and particularly to the horror genre over the decades. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.