Ridley Scott Plans More Alien: Covenant Films

Ridley Scott is reportedly developing new films that would serve as follow-ups to his 2017 science fiction horror film, "Alien: Covenant." This news has raised concerns among franchise enthusiasts and critics who feel the "Alien" saga has struggled to recapture its former glory since James Cameron's 1986 sequel, "Aliens." Over the past 38 years, filmmakers have explored various directions for the franchise, including killing off main characters early, isolating Sigourney Weaver's character Ellen Ripley on a desolate planet, cloning Ripley, pitting xenomorphs against Predators, and delving into the origins of the creatures with films like "Prometheus," which featured Michael Fassbender's character David. Despite these varied approaches, many have been met with critical disappointment.

More recently, the franchise saw the release of Fede Álvarez's "Alien: Romulus" in 2024, which returned to the core concept of xenomorphs hunting humans in confined spaces. This was followed by Noah Hawley's "Alien: Earth" in 2025, a television series that explored themes of corporate greed alongside the alien threat. While "Alien: Romulus" was noted for its return to classic "Alien" elements, "Alien: Earth" was criticized for its perceived focus on tech billionaires over the alien menace. The continued exploration of the "Alien" universe, particularly with Scott's involvement in further "Covenant"-era stories, has led to speculation about whether the franchise can deliver fresh and impactful narratives.

The "Alien" franchise, which began with Ridley Scott's 1979 film "Alien," is renowned for its terrifying xenomorph creature design and its blend of science fiction and horror. "Alien: Covenant," released in 2017, was intended to bridge the gap between "Prometheus" and the original "Alien," further exploring the backstory of the android David and the origins of the xenomorphs. However, the film received a mixed to negative reception, with many critics finding its plot convoluted and its scares less effective than previous installments. The prospect of more films set within this specific narrative arc has prompted discussions about the franchise's creative future and the potential for innovation.

Fans and critics have expressed a desire for the "Alien" franchise to return to its roots of suspenseful, creature-feature horror, emphasizing the "stalk-and-slash" elements that made the original films so impactful. The announcement of further "Covenant" sequels suggests a continued focus on the prequels' narrative threads, which may not align with the broader audience's expectations for the series. The success of "Alien: Romulus" in delivering a more traditional "Alien" experience has amplified calls for a return to simpler, more terrifying storytelling, rather than complex lore-building that has, for some, detracted from the franchise's core appeal. The direction of future "Alien" films under Scott's continued guidance remains a subject of keen interest and debate within the science fiction and horror communities.