Michael Jackson's Lasting Fame Reaches Alien Worlds in Sci-Fi Films

The King of Pop Goes Extraterrestrial

Michael Jackson has been one of the most influential pop icons for decades. With record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, and legendary dance moves, his immense talent cemented his status as the King of Pop here on Earth. But did you know that Michael Jackson's fame has stretched far beyond our planet? Believe it or not, Jackson's legacy has even extended into the universe of the Alien vs Predator sci-fi film franchise.

Jackson's Continuing Cultural Relevance

Although Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, references to his iconic style and music continue to permeate popular culture. From new artists sampling his hits to people mimicking his signature dance moves, it's clear Jackson remains a global pop culture phenomenon even in death. His music and flair for dramatic fashion and accessories left a lasting impression on fans and celebrities alike.

So it should come as no surprise that when the creative teams behind the Alien vs Predator franchise explore futuristic worlds inhabited by frightening extraterrestrial creatures, even they can't resist throwing in references to Jackson's signature style and music—proving the King of Pop's fame and legacy have reached alien planets lightyears away from our own world.

Wanda's Funky Accessories Channel MJ Style

In the recently released film Prey, the latest installment in the cult classic franchise, audiences are introduced to an entirely new tribe of Comanche warriors battling vicious alien creatures hundreds of years ago. One warrior named Wanda wears colorful accessories and jewelry with a very familiar vibe—it calls to mind Jackson's own flamboyant fashion in his most elaborate music videos and live performances.

The sparkly blue armband and an intricate beaded necklace adorning Wanda's warrior attire symbolize critical moments in her journey to defeat the threat facing her tribe. And this glimpse of vibrant self-expression and attention-grabbing personal style offers an undeniable homage to Jackson's most dramatic looks as the King of Pop on stage.

An Iconic Sound Beyond This World

The climactic final battle scene of Prey showcases more than just a clash between human and extraterrestrial species. As Wanda and fellow warrior Taabe courageously confront the formidable alien Predator to protect their tribe, the film's score by composer Sarah Schachner suddenly incorporates hints of Jackson's iconic song "You Are Not Alone"—specifically an eerie rendition using choral voices.

This inclusion of one of Michael Jackson's most successful and emotionally powerful ballad hits in the critical fight for human survival signifies that the creature battling these humans possesses intelligence to exploit mankind's own skills and tools against them. And for fans of Jackson's music, hearing echoes of one of his greatest works woven into the film's music illustrates that his artistry holds importance even in galactic encounters not of this Earth.

The Gloved Killer in All of Us

The biggest endorsement of Jackson's eternal fame though comes from the Alien vs Predator extended universe novel Prey: Evolution's Enigma. The book provides backstory to the film's characters and story, following one Comanche tribe member named Stalking Wolf. He loses his entire family to an alien attack and becomes an orphan wandering the wilderness obsessed with revenge against the extraterrestrial killers—an origin story evoking Batman and Spiderman.

When Stalking Wolf's ongoing isolation and trauma transforms him from righteous warrior into an ominous figure referred to by his tribe as "the Frightener," the novel describes his new fearsome visage. It states he is "as pale as the belly of a fish" and his hands "were thin and bone-white." Undoubtedly this paints the image of the vengeful character becoming akin to a ghostly phantom—or more accurately, mimicking Michael Jackson's physical appearance from his famous music video for "Thriller."

The Frightener's deadly quest for violence in the name of justice for his slaughtered loved ones establishes him as a specter of death itself. By visually linking him with Jackson's spooky killer character from "Thriller" at the height of his retribution, the novel taps straight into the singer's horror iconography—using his fame as shorthand for transforming into feared dispenser of chilling fates across worlds.

The Legend Continues Across the Universe

Michael Jackson solidified legendary status in life as the greatest entertainer of his era with chart-topping albums and boundary-pushing music. His unexpected death over a decade ago transcended devastating news to instead redefine him as an eternal pop culture icon.

So as the Alien vs Predator sci-fi saga continues evolving in films and literature, offering frightening adventures with extraterrestrial creatures battling mankind, it choose to also honor Jackson's memory by working his famous style and songs into this fictional intergalactic media franchise.

These loving tributes speak volumes about how the creativity Jackson displayed, the emotions he conveyed in melody, and sheer showmanship he embodied continue inspiring artistry and connections today—even otherworldly creative efforts centered around hostile encounters between alien species and humans. So for Michael Jackson fans, rest assured the King of Pop's musical and cultural legacy still reigns across the cosmos.

FAQs

Why are there references to Michael Jackson in the Alien vs Predator films and books?

The creative teams behind the Alien vs Predator franchise occasionally reference Michael Jackson's iconic style and music as a way to emphasize his lasting cultural relevance even in futuristic sci-fi settings. The King of Pop's fame has extended so far beyond our planet that even alien worlds showcase his influence.

What Michael Jackson songs or fashions are referenced in the Alien vs Predator series?

In the latest Predator film Prey, one character named Wanda wears shiny blue and beaded jewelry reminiscent of Michael Jackson's flashy accessories in his music videos. The film's score also incorporates parts of Jackson's hit ballad "You Are Not Alone." Additionally, a character in the novel Prey: Evolution's Enigma is described similarly to Jackson's look in the "Thriller" music video.

Why would Michael Jackson be referenced in works about alien encounters and battles?

Weaving Michael Jackson references into the fictional Alien vs Predator universe illustrates just how hugely influential Jackson's music and style remain in pop culture. By showing his cultural relevance persisting even in futuristic alien worlds, it honors Jackson's memory and endless artistry.

Do the references mean Michael Jackson's music exists in the Alien vs Predator alternate reality?

While the creative allusions connect back to Michael Jackson's fame and one song makes a brief cameo, there's no indication the characters in Alien vs Predator worlds are actively aware of Jackson or his full music catalog. The references simply allow the films to tap into Jackson's legacy for storytelling purposes.