Ridley Scott confirms next Alien prequel
Ridley Scott is reigniting the flame of the alien saga, confirming he is still actively pursuing a follow-up film to 2017’s Alien: Covenant. This new project promises to serve as a dramatic conclusion to the trilogy that began with Prometheus in 2012, continuing the complex journey of the sentient machines and cosmic horror that defines the franchise.
Speaking recently while promoting his other projects, Scott revealed that the next installment will once again center on Michael Fassbender’s android character, David. The story is set to pick up with David embarking on a new quest, forging a brave new world for himself amidst the lingering existential threats.
Scott’s fascination with the malfunctioning artificial intelligence character remains the heart of the narrative. He described the concept as deeply compelling, noting that the inherent instability of advanced AI mirrors a cosmic catastrophe: “AIs can go off, and if they do, it’s like a bomb.” This perspective suggests a deep dive into the dangerous, unpredictable nature of synthetic life.
This development comes after previous shifts in the franchise’s trajectory. A little over a year ago, Scott had signaled a desire to step away from the overarching saga, seemingly handing the reins over to Alien: Romulus director Fede Álvarez for a sequel. Meanwhile, the Alien: Earth series was already airing on FX, with a second season currently in production.
Reports surfaced months ago indicating that the planned Romulus sequel faced creative differences, potentially involving Scott, while filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček was also linked to a separate project. Despite these shifts, Scott remained keen on the potential for more stories centered on David. Earlier this year, he shared that the potential for further narratives with the android was “super fascinating,” suggesting that the tension between man, machine, and the unknown is a narrative he is eager to explore further.
The question now shifts from speculation to anticipation: will Ridley Scott deliver the final, defining chapter for this epic sci-fi mythology? The fate of the trilogy now rests on the realization of this visionary story.