# Ridley Scott develops Alien prequel sequel > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ridley-scott-alien-franchise-development > Updated: 2026-09-05T13:17:13.000Z. Sources: 85. Developments: 5. Director Ridley Scott is rewriting and directing a new installment in the ‘Alien’ franchise to complete a prequel trilogy. The project will focus on the android character David, played by Michael Fassbender, picking up from the conclusion of ‘Alien: Covenant’ where the character sought to create ‘a brave new world for himself.’ Scott has indicated the upcoming story will explore themes of artificial intelligence spiraling out of control, noting that such a scenario could lead to ‘fucking chaos’ by disabling digital systems worldwide. While Scott has expressed support for the Noah Hawley-created FX series ‘Alien: Earth’—describing it as ‘Really damn good’—his return to the franchise has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans are eager to see the prequel trilogy completed, while others suggest the franchise has seen better results with recent installments like ‘Alien: Romulus’ that moved away from Scott’s specific narrative direction. Regarding ‘Alien: Romulus,’ Scott has described the film as ‘OK’ or ‘passable,’ suggesting the series ‘needs some help.’ In contrast to these franchise developments, Scott’s recent post-apocalyptic film ‘Dog Star’ (also referred to as ‘The Dog Stars’) has struggled at the box office. Despite a budget estimated between $70 million and $110 million, the film earned approximately $8 million in the US and between $11.3 million and $19.3 million internationally during its opening period. The film has faced mediocre to panned reviews, with critics citing issues with pacing and tone, and received a ‘C+’ CinemaScore. ## Claims - Ridley Scott is rewriting the next film in the Alien franchise. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new project intends to continue the story of the android David, played by Michael Fassbender. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ridley Scott described the series Alien: Earth as 'Really damn good'. (single source) - Fede Álvarez completed a script for an Alien: Romulus sequel but will not direct it. (single source) - Steve Asbell, head of 20th Century Studios production, denied reports that the Romulus sequel was cancelled. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Ridley Scott returns to Alien franchise to continue prequel storyline Ridley Scott is returning to the ‘Alien’ franchise to rewrite a new film, aiming to continue the story of the android David from ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Covenant’ after calling ‘Alien: Romulus’ merely ‘ok’. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-returns-to-alien-franchise-to-continue-prequel-storyline ### 2026-08-31: Ridley Scott returns to ‘Alien’ franchise amid ‘The Dog Stars’ box office failure Ridley Scott announces a return to the ‘Alien’ franchise with a sequel to ‘Covenant’ while his new film ‘The Dog Stars’ struggles with a major box office failure and poor reviews. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-to-direct-next-alien-film-as-sequel-to-covenant ### 2026-08-30: Ridley Scott develops Alien sequel amid Dog Star box office struggles Ridley Scott praises the FX series ‘Alien: Earth’ and is developing a sequel to ‘Alien: Covenant’, while his latest film ‘Dog Star’ struggles at the US box office. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-develops-alien-sequel-amid-dog-star-box-office-struggles ### 2026-08-29: Ridley Scott to rewrite next Alien film to continue David's story Ridley Scott is rewriting the next ‘Alien’ film to continue the story of the android David, following the success of ‘Alien: Romulus’ and the conclusion of ‘Alien: Covenant’. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-to-rewrite-next-alien-film-to-continue-davids-story ### 2026-08-26: Ridley Scott confirms Alien: Covenant sequel starring Michael Fassbender Ridley Scott is developing a sequel to ‘Alien: Covenant’ that will feature Michael Fassbender returning as the android David to complete his prequel trilogy. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ridley-scott-to-direct-alien-covenant-sequel-featuring-michael-fassbender --- Cite as: Ridley Scott develops Alien prequel sequel. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ridley-scott-alien-franchise-development