At 87 years old, British director Ridley Scott continues to pursue ambitious film endeavors, sharing details about his Ridley Scott upcoming film projects following the release of his recent science fiction movie Dog Stars. The prolific filmmaker has three scripts ready and is aiming to move forward with a diverse slate of projects, including a biopic, a Western, and a World War I drama.
Insights Into Scott’s Next Major Film Ventures
In an interview with Dazed during the promotion of the BFI retrospective for his film The Duelists, Scott discussed several upcoming tasks in development. These include a Western called Freewalkers, a long-desired adaptation inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s work, a Bee Gees biography film delayed in production, and a war movie titled Covenant with Death, adapted from John Harris’s novel. Scott elaborated on these plans as follows:
“I’ve got three films written, ready to go. What I’m hoping will be next is [a biopic about] the Bee Gees. Then I’ve got a great Western called ‘Freewalkers.’ And then I’ve got a First World War film based on John Harris’ ‘Covenant with Death.’…It’s a marvellous narrative that I’ve never seen before in a war film. It’s funny and class-conscious because you’ve got miners mixing with middle-class men. You discover: one guy dies, just like anybody else.” —Ridley Scott, Director
The logline for Covenant with Death depicts the journey of Mark Fenner and his friends from Sheffield, who enlist at the outbreak of World War I. Their camaraderie and trials – from training in England to deployment in Egypt and ultimately the brutal Western Front at the Somme – build a story of ordinary men facing extraordinary circumstances.
Additional Projects Including Gladiator and Alien Series Still in Development
Beyond these three films, Scott is also advancing work on Gladiator 3, continuing the acclaimed franchise, and has expressed willingness to revisit the Alien universe with a third prequel centered on David, the android character, should a compelling idea arise. He remarked recently:
“[‘Gladiator 3’] is in process right now. Another ‘Alien’ prequel…yeah, if I get an idea, for sure,”
Though Scott has contemplated other projects, such as a mysterious pirate film and a musical, details remain sparse, with no official screenplay or casting announced. His readiness to tackle multiple ambitious films at his age is a testament to his enduring energy and passion for filmmaking.
Details Surrounding ‘Dog Stars’ Highlight the Director’s Continuing Relevance
Dog Stars, Scott’s latest sci-fi film scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, through 20th Century Studios, is adapted from Peter Heller’s novel and scripted by Mark L. Smith and Christopher Wilkinson. The movie stars a notable ensemble, including Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong, underscoring Scott’s continued ability to attract top talent and deliver high-profile productions.
Legacy of a Tireless Filmmaker Continuing to Shape Cinema
Ridley Scott’s upcoming slate of projects underlines his reputation as a workhorse filmmaker who maintains a fast-paced production schedule and a diverse creative vision. While it remains uncertain if he will undertake all the films he has planned, his determination and prolific output at 87 reflect an extraordinary dedication to cinema. Fans and industry watchers can anticipate the unique narratives and ambitious scope that define Scott’s career as he embarks on these Ridley Scott upcoming film projects.
