Ridley Scott‘s influence on the Alien franchise evolution remains central to its enduring legacy, even as the director himself expresses mixed emotions about its trajectory. During a recent interview, Scott reflected on his involvement in the iconic series and the critical points that, in his eyes, nearly ended its potential for good.
Scott’s Unfiltered Reflections on the Franchise’s Direction
Scott, who created the original 1979 Alien film, is candid about his regard for the early entries and his disappointment with the direction taken after James Cameron’s acclaimed 1986 sequel, Aliens. When discussing 1997’s Alien: Resurrection with ScreenRant, Scott remarked,
“I think I felt it was deadened after 4,”
—Ridley Scott, Director, to ScreenRant.
He further elaborated on his view of the series’ decline following his and Cameron’s involvement:
“I think mine was pretty damn good, and I think Jim’s was good, and I have to say the rest were not very good. And I thought, F—, that’s the end of a franchise which should be as important as bloody Star Trek or Star Wars.”
—Ridley Scott, Director, to ScreenRant.
How Scott Came to Direct the Original Alien
A longtime comic book enthusiast, Scott was inspired by artists like Jean Giraud Moebius when he was unexpectedly approached to direct Alien. Recalling how the opportunity arose, he said,
“suddenly offered Alien out of the blue.”
—Ridley Scott, Director.
He credits his background in design as key to shaping the film’s distinct vision:
“And because designer is in my blood and DNA,”
—Ridley Scott, Director.
Scott emphasized his unique approach and position in the selection process:
“I just knew what to do with it. And I was the fifth f—ing choice. Why you offered Robert Altman Alien, God only knows. Altman said, ‘Are you kidding? I’m not going to do this,’ and I went, ‘Are you kidding? I have to do this,’ because it borders and verges on heavy metal. So that’s where I went, and then it died.”
—Ridley Scott, Director.
The Franchise’s Setbacks and Unexpected Revival
While Alien: Resurrection reunited the original producers—Gordon Carroll, David Giler, and Walter Hill—and brought in star Winona Ryder with Joss Whedon scripting, the film helmed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet met only modest praise from critics and struggled at the box office, failing to match the success of the earlier works by Scott and Cameron.
Despite his bleak outlook at that point, Ridley Scott would later revive the franchise himself. In 2012, he directed Prometheus, a bold prequel featuring an ensemble of Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron. This marked a significant turning point for the series, providing fresh context and renewed interest among fans.
Scott continued his hands-on role with 2017’s Alien: Covenant, where new writers like John Logan and Michael Green joined the project, stepping in after Damon Lindelof’s tenure as screenwriter. These efforts expanded the mythos and brought innovative storytelling back to the Alien universe.
Scott’s Take on Recent Franchise Installments
While Scott remains critical toward entries not directed by himself or James Cameron, he recognizes the value in Fede Álvarez’s 2024 film, Alien: Romulus, which he described as
f—ing great.
This endorsement stands out, reflecting Scott’s ongoing connection to the franchise and his recognition of strong new visions within the series, even as he voices frustration about perceived missteps and missed opportunities in its past development.
Scott’s complex relationship with the Alien saga underscores both the impact of creative leadership and the difficulty of sustaining excellence within a long-running cinematic universe. As new projects emerge, his influence continues to shape the direction and expectations surrounding the franchise’s future.
