District 9 director Neill Blomkamp to reimagine Alien

American actress Sigourney Weaver in the role of Ripley in the film Alien. Photo / Getty Images

District 9 director Neill Blomkamp will make a new Alien film.

The South African posted a drawing of the franchise's infamous extraterrestrial character on Instagram saying, "so, I think this is officially my next film".

The post came just hours after Variety reported the director had struck a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop the film.

Blomkamp has previously been vocal about the project but last month indicated it had been abandoned.

"Was working on this. Don't think I am anymore. Love it though. #alien #xenomorph," he said on potential artwork for the film.

His artwork included pictures of franchise veteran Sigourney Weaver.

It's not yet clear whether she'll be involved in the film.

The original Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, was released in 1979.

It spawned three sequels and the spin-off series Prometheus and Aliens vs. Predator.

Michael Fassbender in a scene from the movie Prometheus.

Variety reports the re-imagining of Alien is separate to Fox's Prometheus 2, which is currently being made by Scott.

- AAP