Ridley Scott is developing another Alien: Covenant film, according to The Guardian

Ridley Scott is working on a follow-up to Alien: Covenant, the 2017 science-fiction horror film, according to a report published by The Guardian on August 28. The outlet framed the project as an addition to a long-running movie franchise that has produced multiple sequels, prequels, and spinoffs since the original Alien. The report did not provide production dates, release timing, or studio or platform details in the material provided for this story. The Guardian’s account portrays the proposed follow-up as Scott’s continued involvement with the franchise after directing Prometheus and Covenant, both of which expanded the Alien universe with prequel-era mythology and a focus on the Weyland-Yutani corporate storyline. The report characterizes Covenant as a film that has faced backlash, and it presents Scott’s next steps as an effort to extend the franchise despite criticism of recent entries. The material provided also highlights the broader franchise history as a background context for readers, describing the long gap between early entries and later attempts to sustain audience interest over decades. It notes that, in the years since James Cameron’s Aliens, multiple filmmakers have contributed to the series, with the report suggesting that the franchise has struggled to generate widely shared creative momentum. While The Guardian’s framing is critical, the underlying factual premise in the packet is that Scott is “working on” a follow-up. That distinction matters because the report includes commentary on whether additional films are desirable or necessary, but the project status itself remains the key point. Without further confirmation from studio announcements, casting calls, or production paperwork in the provided record, it is not possible to verify the scope of Scott’s role, whether he will direct, or how the film would connect to previously established story threads. For the film industry, any additional Alien installment would likely affect a range of practical concerns, including budgeting, marketing strategy, and the handling of rights and franchise governance across production entities. Alien films have historically relied on recognizable world-building and sustained audience attention, and new development would require alignment among producers, distribution partners, and any rights-holders involved in the franchise’s complicated production history. The next tangible step for audiences and industry watchers would be formal confirmation by the relevant studio or producers, ideally including director and producer credits, a production start date, and a release target. Until such details are released, the only confirmed element in the supplied packet is the existence of work on a follow-up attributed to Scott, reported by The Guardian. Readers are likely to see additional reporting as studio or producer sources respond, but for now the status remains a development report rather than a confirmed release slate. If announcements follow, they would also clarify how the film will handle the franchise’s established continuity and which creative team members, beyond Scott, will be attached to the project.