Ridley Scott‘s impact on the Alien movie timeline continues to shape the iconic science-fiction saga, particularly due to the unmade film that was meant to bridge the events between Alien: Covenant and the 1979 original. While Scott’s involvement has produced groundbreaking visuals and complex narratives, the franchise remains noticeably incomplete, leaving fans and creators grappling with unresolved storylines.
The Franchise’s Evolution and the Unfilled Gap
Since launching the franchise in 1979, Ridley Scott has been an influential force behind the Alien series, steering its tone, aesthetic, and mythos. Over the years, the saga grew to include nine entries—with various crossovers and sequels introducing a range of styles, from the atmospheric terror of the original Alien to the robust action of Aliens, and even occasional forays into dark humor or sprawling science-fiction ideas. Each installment has contributed something new to the overarching lore, expanding on the lifecycle of the Xenomorphs and the dangerous universe they inhabit.
After a lengthy hiatus, Ridley Scott returned to the franchise with Prometheus in 2012. Originally intended to shed light on the mysterious Derelict found on LV-426, Prometheus evolved into a broader exploration of existential questions and creation myths, straying from simple explanations to more philosophical territory. Scott then followed up with Alien: Covenant in 2017, shifting the story’s focus to the android David (played by Michael Fassbender) and his disturbing experiments with the creation of the perfect organism. Although this film set the stage for further exploration, its abrupt ending left a notable discontinuity in the timeline, particularly for those invested in how these prequels would connect directly to the original Alien.
The Missing Chapter Between Alien: Covenant and Alien
For viewers attempting to watch the franchise in chronological order, the absence of a film bridging Covenant and the 1979 classic is glaring. Scott had envisioned what would become Alien: Awakening, a film where David’s role would deepen as he transforms into a Dr. Moreau-like figure, engineering new generations of Xenomorphs. As Alien: Covenant concluded, David was left with a ship full of colonists, poised to further his experiments. However, the disappointing box office and critical response to Covenant led to plans for additional prequels being shelved, with Alien: Romulus in 2024 marking a fresh start for the series rather than a continuation of Scott’s prequel narrative.
This void means that longstanding mysteries—most notably the origins of the Space Jockey and the Derelict—are left purposely ambiguous. While some argue that the unexplained nature of these elements adds to the franchise’s chilling allure, others find the lack of resolution frustrating, considering the build-up over two films that seemed set to close these narrative gaps. The cliffhanger from Alien: Covenant looms large, seemingly destined to remain open.
Flawed though the prequels may be, they offered a mature and ambitious take on science fiction, and David stood out as a complex and memorable character. Without closure to his storyline, a significant arc in the Alien mythology is missing. However, as the franchise pivots towards new installments, the possibility of eventually returning to and resolving David’s fate is far from impossible.
Scott’s Departure and the Franchise’s New Direction
As direct sequels to Alien: Covenant became less likely, Ridley Scott stepped back from the possibility of directing further entries. He selected Fede Álvarez, known for Don’t Breathe, to direct Alien: Romulus, a midquel that revitalized interest in the Alien name and reminded fans of the qualities that made the series enduring. Addressing speculation about his ongoing involvement, Scott told Screen Rant,
Where it’s going now, I think I’ve done enough, and I just hope it goes further.
— Ridley Scott, Director. His statement signals a probable end to his directorial contributions, though he could remain involved as a producer.
Scott’s vision for the Alien universe sought to evolve the story beyond relentless monster chases, instead diving into existential horror and the themes of creation and hubris. However, his prequel films never fully satisfied all fans, some of whom longed for the more stripped-down suspense of the earliest entries. Now, with Álvarez developing the next chapter and Scott committed to other projects, the prospect of a Scott-helmed Alien sequel grows increasingly slim.
The Expanding Alien Universe
The future of the franchise now moves into uncharted territory, with the upcoming television series Alien: Earth set to debut on FX in August 2025. Even if Ridley Scott is not directly involved, the legacy of characters like David lingers—his unresolved storyline is considered by many to be too vital to leave unfinished. Alternative mediums such as animated projects, graphic novels, or audio productions could eventually provide answers about David’s fate and the critical link to the events of the original film. So far, however, momentum pushes the franchise into new creative territory rather than circling back to retread lost ground.
Throughout its history, the Alien franchise has continually reinvented itself, with each film and director offering a new perspective. Major contributors, such as Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett, and cast members like Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Michael Fassbender, have left an indelible mark on the series. Protagonists like Ellen Ripley and villains like the android David have helped define the conflict between humanity and the unknown. The Xenomorph itself, a terrifying product of the series’ creative team, remains at the core of its identity.
The Lasting Significance of Ridley Scott’s Impact
Ridley Scott’s impact on the Alien movie timeline is unmistakable, shaping everything from the atmosphere of the original to the philosophical ambitions of Prometheus and Covenant. Even without a completed arc, concepts introduced by Scott—the backstory of the Space Jockey, the transformation of David, and humanity’s attempts to control what it does not understand—continue to haunt the franchise’s mythology. The unresolved questions and unmade films fuel debate and speculation among both viewers and creators, keeping Scott’s influence alive in every new installment.
With the Alien universe moving forward through new films and upcoming television adaptations, interest in the missing links of the timeline is unlikely to disappear. Whether through future movies, series, or other narrative forms, Scott’s shadow looms large, ensuring that his vision and the mysteries he left behind will remain central to discussions surrounding the franchise. For now, the timeline retains its notable absences, but in the Alien saga, unanswered questions may yet find their own, unexpected resolutions.
