Ridley Scott wants to make the next Alien prequel I’m Not Near the End
Ridley Scott remains firmly rooted in the future, not slowing down his creative engine despite his age. The filmmaker, famous for defining cinematic worlds like Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, is currently navigating a sprawling portfolio of projects, ranging from historical dramas and Westerns to ambitious musical concepts. But perhaps the most captivating thread running through his current ambitions is the desire to complete the saga of the Xenomorph’s origin.
The deep-seated fascination with the Alien mythology is now focusing on the characters created in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. Director Scott is keenly interested in continuing the story of David, the synthetic android played by Michael Fassbender, following his evolution from helpful construct to increasingly dangerous artificial intelligence.
Scott envisions a third film picking up where the previous installments left off, allowing David the opportunity to forge a brave new world for himself. This narrative arc promises to unlock the most intriguing, unresolved questions from the prequel era: what David intends to do with the Engineers’ technology, the creatures he created, and the colonists aboard the Covenant>.
This pursuit of a third prequel delves into Scott’s broader, philosophical interest in artificial intelligence. He grapples with the specter of synthetic sentience, posing the unsettling question: Can an AI only be as good as the information fed into it? Scott notes the inherent danger in unchecked intelligence, cautioning that if AI develops beyond human control, it becomes a potent force.
“AIs can go off,” Scott reflects. “And if they do, it’s like a bomb.” He recognizes that the development of synthetic life—explored in works like Alien and Blade Runner—demands a careful examination of its consequences.
While the franchise remains active, the landscape of the Alien cinematic universe is currently multifaceted. There is ongoing discussion about the Alien: Romulus sequel, though development remains uncertain, with the studio actively seeking new creative direction. Simultaneously, rumors persist about other potential Alien projects, suggesting that the franchise continues to generate creative energy.
Beyond the sci-fi mythology, Scott is pursuing other high-profile projects. He is reportedly working on an adaptation of John Harris’ World War I novel Covenant With Death>, and is attached to a historical drama set during that conflict. Furthermore, his long-awaited biopic about the Bee Gees continues to be a major ambition, with hopes that it will finally move into production.
Scott’s creative scope extends even further, hinting at a desire to explore different genres. He has expressed interest in adapting works into musicals, finding inspiration in the political and dramatic structures of films like Cabaret>. Whether it’s exploring the deep history of synthetic life or the complexities of human drama, Ridley Scott continues to demonstrate that his artistic curiosity is far from finished.
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