Though 2017’s “Beyond Skyline,” starring Frank Grillo, may have been viewed as lackluster by most critics, garnering a lowly 46 on Metacritic, the third installment has now been acquired by Vertical Entertainment for U.S. distribution. Franchise co-creator Liam O’Donnell reprises his role as writer-director alongside returning “Beyond Skyline” cast member Lindsey Morgan as Rose Corley for “Skylines 3.”

As Bloody Disgusting exclusively reported, “Skylin3s” will emulate its predecessors by weaving as many genres together as possible while maintaining a cohesive science fiction narrative. As the third “Skylines” movie descriptor says:

“When a virus threatens to wipe out Earth, a super-powered hybrid (Morgan) must lead a team of elite soldiers on a mission to the aliens’ world in order to save what’s left of humanity.”

The “Skyline” franchise has been well known to go above and beyond with its rambunctious plots and over-the-top sci-fi. While 2010’s “Skyline” may have been critically-panned by most reviewers, earning 16% on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2017 sequel seemingly induced a cult following.

Now, with “Skylin3s,” O’Donnell seems to have doubled down by adopting a blend of 1979’s “Alien” with 1997’s “Event Horizon.” Both movies fuse horror with science fiction in a way to bolster the plot and ramp up the tension. And, with a spectacular script, O’Donnell’s upcoming “Skyline” sequel could prove a monumental step forward in the franchise if adapted in the right way.

The project will star Morgan, who has appeared in “The 100,” reprising her role from “Beyond Skyline.” In addition, “Skylin3s” will also feature new cast members: Alexander Siddig from “Game of Thrones,” Rhona Mitra from “The Last Ship,” Daniel Bernhardt from “John Wick,” Jonathon Howard from “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and James Cosmo from “Chernobyl.” Producers Colin Strause, Greg Strause, and Matthew Chausse will also return.

In addition to North American distribution, Vertical Entertainment is also picking it up for limited release in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

No official release date has been set for “Skylin3s,” but a 2020 debut is likely.

Lindsey Morgan
"Skylin3s" actress Lindsey Morgan poses at the Cannes International Series Festival (Canneseries) in Cannes, southern France on April 5, 2019. Joel Saget/AFP via Getty Images