Ridley Scott is returning to the Alien franchise, developing a new installment for 20th Century Studios. This announcement follows the critical and commercial success of Alien: Romulus, the latest entry in the sci-fi horror saga. Garnering $350.8 million worldwide on an $80 million budget, Romulus was praised for its chilling atmosphere, strong performances, and terrifying encounters with the iconic Xenomorphs. A sequel featuring protagonists Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and Andy (David Jonsson) has already been confirmed, continuing their story.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scott’s new project will not be the Romulus sequel but a separate entry in the franchise. Details are scarce, but the news suggests an original storyline and possibly new characters. Scott, who directed the original 1979 Alien, appears ready to expand the franchise further, marking a major return to his sci-fi horror roots.
The Growing Universe of Alien
Scott’s announcement aligns with a broader expansion of the Alien franchise, which is experiencing a resurgence following Romulus’ success. In addition to the confirmed sequel, FX is set to debut Alien: Earth, a highly anticipated series premiering in 2025. There is also buzz about a potential Alien vs. Predator 3, with director Fede Álvarez who helmed Romulus expressing interest in tackling the crossover.
The Alien universe continues to grow, with projects exploring new stories while retaining the franchise’s signature tension and terror. Scott’s involvement in developing another film signals the franchise’s commitment to delivering fresh, gripping narratives alongside its classic horror elements.
What Scott’s Return Could Mean for the Franchise
Scott’s previous contributions to the franchise include the prequels Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), which delved into the origins of the Xenomorphs. While these films received mixed reviews, they showcased Scott’s ambition to expand the lore of the series. It remains unclear if his new movie will continue this storyline or explore a new direction altogether.
The success of Alien: Romulus proves that the franchise can evolve while staying true to its roots. With its mix of fresh characters and classic horror, Romulus ended on a bittersweet note, leaving Rain and Andy’s story poised for continuation. Meanwhile, Scott’s upcoming project could explore entirely new territory, introducing different threats, characters, or even timelines within the expansive Alien universe.
A Promising Future for Alien
The Alien franchise is thriving, with multiple projects in the pipeline and Ridley Scott’s renewed involvement signaling a bright future. Whether through the Romulus sequel, the Alien: Earth series, or Scott’s new movie, audiences can expect the Xenomorphs to remain a formidable presence on-screen. As the franchise continues to grow, fans eagerly await the next terrifying chapter from one of science fiction’s most iconic creators.