Eight years after its initial release, Ridley Scott‘s sci-fi thriller Alien: Covenant has surged in popularity on HBO Max, ranking among the streamer’s most-watched films in the United States. Released in 2017, this movie serves as both a sequel to Prometheus (2012) and a prequel to Scott’s original 1979 Alien. Starring Michael Fassbender and Danny McBride, the film earned $240 million at the box office on a $97 million budget and received mixed critical responses, with a 65% critic score and 55% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Evolution of the Alien Franchise and Scott’s Role
Ridley Scott created the Alien universe with his groundbreaking 1979 film, after which James Cameron took the reins for Aliens in 1986, bringing back Sigourney Weaver and cementing the franchise’s status as a sci-fi classic. Scott re-entered the series with Prometheus, which explored the origins and mythology behind the alien creatures. Following Alien: Covenant, Scott announced he was stepping away from directing entries in the franchise. Meanwhile, the Alien saga continues under new creative leadership, demonstrated by last year’s release of Alien: Romulus and the upcoming Hulu series Alien: Earth, created by Noah Hawley, featuring actors Timothy Olyphant and Alex Lawther.
Ridley Scott’s Upcoming Science Fiction Project
After his recent work on Gladiator II starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, Ridley Scott is set to return to science fiction with a new film titled The Dog Stars. Scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, the movie assembles a notable cast including Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Josh Brolin, Jacob Elordi, and Benedict Wong. While Paul Mescal was originally attached, scheduling conflicts related to his role in a Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes have forced him to step away from Scott’s project.
Notable Performers in Alien: Covenant
Alien: Covenant features Michael Fassbender in the role of David, alongside Katherine Waterston as Walter. Their performances contribute significantly to the film’s tense, futuristic atmosphere, helping it maintain enduring viewer interest on streaming platforms.
Continued Interest in Ridley Scott’s Work and the Alien Franchise
The renewed enthusiasm for Alien: Covenant on HBO Max indicates a lasting appreciation for Ridley Scott’s work within the sci-fi genre. With new projects on the horizon and the Alien franchise still expanding under fresh creative voices, fans can expect ongoing stories and innovative takes on this iconic universe.
