‘5002 Space Aliens’ Brings Cult Animation Back to Earth

Earth’s next extraterrestrial encounter is set to arrive with more satire than panic when Scott Bateman’s animated feature 5002 Space Aliens lands on major digital platforms this August. The sequel follows the cult success of 5000 Space Aliens, expanding Bateman’s offbeat animated universe with another deadpan tale of cosmic visitors, absurd humour and humanity’s apparent inability to cope with either.

The feature will begin streaming from 10 August on Apple TV, Amazon and Google/YouTube, bringing Bateman’s distinctive brand of independent animation to a wider audience after the original film built a following on the festival circuit.

Described as a continuation of the strange world introduced in 5000 Space Aliens, the new film once again blends minimalist hand-drawn animation with dry narration and surreal comedy. According to the filmmakers, the sequel raises both the scale of the alien threat and the absurdity of the situations Earth finds itself facing, while retaining the deliberately understated style that made its predecessor stand out.

The first film established itself as an underground favourite, collecting the Best Picture award at the Medusa Underground Film Festival, earning selections at several international festivals and securing a place in 366 Weird Movies’ Top 10 Weird Movies of 2023. Rather than dramatically reinventing the concept, 5002 Space Aliens appears to embrace the same unconventional approach that attracted its audience in the first place.

Bateman has spent decades working across animation, cartooning and filmmaking, with projects appearing on outlets including IFC and MTV. His work has become known for combining social satire with deliberately lo-fi visuals and a sense of humour that often treats humanity as the strangest species in the room.

Speaking about the release, Bateman said: “I’m thrilled to unleash 5002 Space Aliens on Apple, Amazon, and Google/YouTube. I’ve always believed the best way to prepare humanity for an alien invasion is to let them laugh first, it softens the panic. If actual aliens ever show up, I hope they appreciate the documentary accuracy.”

The film is produced by Lucas A. Ferrara, whose growing slate of independent productions spans horror, comedy, drama and animation. Alongside his collaboration with Bateman, Ferrara has produced films including Children of the Pines, Manor of Darkness, HELP and the forthcoming horror feature Blake Buried a Body.

Ferrara praised Bateman’s latest project, describing it as an expansion of the filmmaker’s uniquely eccentric vision. He said the sequel “doubled the cosmic insanity”, adding that the film embraces its bizarre premise without restraint.

5002 Space Aliens begins streaming on Apple TV, Amazon and Google/YouTube from 10 August.

5002 Space Aliens trailer

Horror trailers