Movie News: Will Ferrell Leaving Comedy?, “Alien” Prequel

— The Risky Biz Blog reports that Will Ferrell is expected to depart sci-fi comedy production “Neighborhood Watch.”

According to the story, director David Dobkin has walked away from the project. Ferrell, who had been tapped to star, has not formally left but is expected to follow suit.

The film project, which follows an urban man who moves to the suburbs and joins the neighborhood watch, only to uncover an alien plot, has been the subject of industry gossip for a while. Dobkin’s exit marks the second time the helmer’s chair has been vacant–previously, Shawn Levy had been tapped to direct (he later dropped to a mere producer role, allowing “Wedding Crashers” director Dobkin to takeover).

The well-regarded script was penned by Jared Stern.

— A prequel to 1979’s “Alien” has been confirmed. Ridley Scott returns to direct a script from Jon Spaihts.