Ridley Scott Takes on New 'Alien' Film Following Fede Alvarez’s Exit

Ridley Scott is taking the reins of the next film in the Alien franchise, confirming that a direct sequel to Alien: Covenant is in development.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the filmmaker said the new feature will center on the character David, played by Michael Fassbender, and will show the android creating a "new world for himself."

Scott’s decision to return to the franchise comes after Fede Álvarez exited the project. The Alien: Romulus director reportedly stepped away from developing the sequel due to creative differences with Scott, who vetoed David’s inclusion in Álvarez’s film—prompting the director’s departure. 20th Century Studios, meanwhile, is said to have approached Sébastien Vaniček for an unrelated project.

Scott, who not only directed the original 1979 Alien but also built the entire franchise, had previously told ScreenRant that he had "done enough" for the series and hoped it would move forward without him.

Now, he returns to explore what he calls "a new world" for David.