Dan O’Bannon 1946-2009
Some sad news today folks, particularly if you’re a fan of the Alien franchise or just horror and sci-fi in general. Dan O’Bannon, the original screenwriter of Alien, has passed away after spending the last week or so in a Los Angeles hospital. He was 63 years old.
O’Bannon started his career with John Carpenter’s Dark Star, for which he co-wrote the screenplay, did the special effects, and also starred. He also wrote and directed The Return of the Living Dead, a cult classic if ever there was one, and he wrote Total Recall, Lifeforce, and Screamers, among others.
He created one of the biggest genre franchises in history with Alien, and it’s somehow even more sad to see him go on the weekend that James Cameron’s Avatar is released. We salute you, sir. What will you most remember Dan O’Bannon for?
Comments (12)
This is indeed very sad. Even if O’ Bannon hasn’t been a major Hollywood player since, maybe the early 90’s the fact of the matter is he contributed a lot of great work to Hollywood, some cheesy, some classic, but all of it (I felt) quite good. And he has for years been a great fixture of DVD commentaries, special features and interviews. The great thing is, we have a lot of awesome movies to look back on. He made an impact in the business he wanted to be a part of, and what an impact.
Posted by jurassicalien on December 18th, 2009Awesome career. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by Bob The Slob on December 18th, 2009This blows. I think I watch the Alien documentary on the Quadrilogy more often than I watch Alien itself. Partially because of this guy’s interviews. When he starts to break down at the end when he’s talking about how his little horror movie became a success, that’s some pretty powerful stuff.
I’ve met Ron Shussett, but never had the pleasure of meeting Dan. Aliens is my all-time favorite movie, and by association I of course love Alien as well. When you stop and think about it, as much as I’m engrossed in all things “Alien”, this guy is probably one of the most important figures in my life. Sounds nerdy, but it’s true.
R.I.P. Dan.
Posted by Rian on December 18th, 2009yoyoyo, he wrote Alien, not Carpenter’s Aliens. Don’t insult the man, please.
Posted by AlexG on December 18th, 2009RIP
Posted by Napalm on December 18th, 2009wow … that sucks
Posted by NOOOOO on December 18th, 2009but maybe return of the living dead will come out on bluray now.
I will always love The Return of the Living Dead.
Best. Zombie movie. Ever.
Respect!
Posted by phun on December 18th, 2009Damn. What a Talent, Hilarious as Pinback.
The brains behind a few classic movies.
RIP
Posted by Nemesis on December 18th, 2009i think Blue Thunder for me is his most important film.
Posted by Bionic Commando on December 19th, 2009was the writing for alien that extraordinary?
Posted by big L on December 20th, 2009I just got finished taking a john carpenter film class at UC Santa Cruz this past fall. I was introduced to the name Dan O’Bannon through the amazing Dark Star. His charector was hillarious and the movie was just awesome. He was a true legend in the sci-fi genre and I just hate he is gone so shortly after my realizing his greatness. Dan O’Bannon movie night will be happening soon at my house. Dark Star, Total Recall, alien. Maybe lifeforce. Anything else crucial in his filmography i should include that I may not have seen yet?
Posted by Ducky on December 21st, 2009You kind of forget how many movies this guy was involved in. And influential ones at that.
Posted by Maopheus on December 21st, 2009Leave a Reply