Ridley Scott reflects on leaving the Alien franchise, considering his substantial contributions and discussing what lies ahead for the series. The accomplished director, renowned for launching the original Alien in 1979 and reviving the saga decades later, explains why he feels his journey with these iconic films may be drawing to a close.
Ridley Scott’s Pioneering Role and Return to Alien
Ridley Scott’s association with Alien began when he directed its first, groundbreaking installment, released in theaters in 1979. Though Scott did not direct the following sequels, including Aliens by James Cameron or Alien 3, he later rejoined the universe as director of Prometheus in 2012 and Alien: Covenant in 2017, injecting new energy into the longstanding science fiction property. His involvement continued as a consulting producer on the franchise’s latest addition, Alien: Romulus, released in 2024.
During a discussion with ScreenRant, Ridley Scott spoke candidly about his feelings toward the series and his future with the franchise. He discussed both the highlights and the creative decisions that influenced his return after many years. The director pointed to his initial acceptance of the project and the creative partnership with Damon Lindelof for Prometheus, where they crafted the story from scratch, hoping to rejuvenate Alien for a new audience.
Speaking on the progression of the franchise after his initial departure, Scott conveyed critical views on the sequels following Aliens, with particular emphasis on his commitment to maintaining high standards amidst mixed receptions over the years.
“EXCLUSIVE: It is spreading like wildfire, and not really. I think I felt it was deadened after 4. 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,’ which I think is phenomenal. At least, I think the first one by George is seminal–it was as seminal as 2001. To me, it was that important in terms of film language and where you go next. From George’s [Star Wars], I was then offered, almost a year after, Alien. I’m fascinated [by] very good comics and the best in the world was probably Jean Giraud Moebius. Moebius was a French comics man who was just genius. I was staring at these, and suddenly I was offered Alien out of the blue. And because designer is in my blood and DNA, 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. A number of years after, I said, ‘I’m going to resurrect this,’ [and wrote] Prometheus from scratch–a blank sheet of paper. Damon Lindelof and I sat then hammered out Prometheus. It was very present and very welcome. The audience really wanted more. I said, ‘It needs to fly.’ No one was coming for it, [and] I went once again [and made] Alien Covenant, and it worked too. Where it’s going now, I think I’ve done enough, and I just hope it goes further.”
—Ridley Scott, Director
The Director’s Evolving Perspective on the Franchise
Scott’s account offers insight into how he regards both his personal legacy and the legacy of Alien. While he commends James Cameron’s Aliens as a particularly strong sequel, Scott is transparent about his disappointment with other entries that followed. His comments highlight the critical and creative tensions that have influenced the direction of the franchise, as well as his own selective involvement.
“Are you kidding? I’m not going to do this,”
—Robert Altman, Director
“Are you kidding? I have to do this,”
—Ridley Scott, Director
Scott’s appreciation for influential creatives like Jean Giraud Moebius, as well as his own design background, shaped his distinct vision for Alien. He emphasizes how his creative instincts and personal interests made him eager to accept the director’s chair, even as a late choice. For Prometheus, working with Damon Lindelof allowed Scott to start fresh and introduce original themes and ideas, reinvigorating the mythology around the xenomorphs and humanity’s search for meaning in space.
Despite feeling that the franchise lost its edge after the fourth movie, he acknowledged an audience appetite for more stories within the Alien universe, prompting his additional contributions through Alien: Covenant and a production role on Alien: Romulus.
How Prometheus and Alien: Covenant Shaped the Series
The release of Prometheus in 2012 marked a turning point for the Alien franchise, presenting arguably the most ambitious and divisive film since Scott’s original. Unlike previous sequels, Prometheus focused on new themes and philosophical questions, differentiating itself within the franchise. Damon Lindelof’s collaboration with Scott resulted in a fresh narrative, blending elements of horror, mystery, and science fiction.
Alien: Covenant followed as a direct continuation, utilizing both Scott’s vision and audience interest to maintain momentum. Both films contributed nuanced ideas and remained contemporary, receiving praise for their bold approach while triggering debate among long-time fans. Though opinions on the direction of these installments remain varied, their significance in keeping the franchise relevant cannot be overstated.
Looking Ahead: Ridley Scott’s Influence and the Future of Alien
Although Ridley Scott openly questions whether he should continue, his impact on the franchise endures. Despite no longer being central as a director, Scott remains attached to Alien: Romulus as a consultant and producer. He is also credited as executive producer for the forthcoming television series Alien: Earth and has been linked to the development of an untitled Alien prequel project, demonstrating ongoing engagement, even if in a more advisory capacity.
This continued involvement underscores how, even with past regrets or critical remarks about previous sequels, Scott maintains a profound influence on the franchise’s creative direction, ensuring that each new project aspires to meet his high standards.
The Significance of the Series and Its Expansion
Alien’s lasting presence in the science fiction genre is frequently compared to the likes of Star Wars and Star Trek, particularly through Scott’s remarks. By invoking franchises led by figures like George Lucas, Scott highlights Alien’s potential cultural importance and its transformative role in cinematic history.
Prometheus and Covenant’s willingness to experiment set them apart within the series, making Alien one of the few franchises to consistently introduce new concepts after decades. Even when controversial, these creative risks illustrate the enduring ambition tied to Scott’s leadership, with key collaborators like Damon Lindelof playing pivotal roles in the evolution of the saga.
James Cameron’s Aliens remains highly regarded, solidifying the film’s reputation as a standout sequel and securing his place among the names crucial to Alien’s development. While Scott expresses disappointment in many later entries, his stamp on the franchise and his outspoken opinions continue to resonate with both audiences and creatives connected to the series.
The Creative Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Alien’s enduring relevance and the continued interest in its ongoing expansion demonstrate the franchise’s flexibility and capacity for reinvention. With Scott signaling that his direct involvement might be concluded, the attention shifts to new stewards of the universe, including the teams behind Alien: Earth and any forthcoming prequels.
The Gladiator director’s transition from creative leader to guiding force as a producer or consultant marks a significant phase in the history of Alien. Though he may choose not to return to the director’s chair, Ridley Scott’s creative DNA remains embedded in every facet of the series’ evolution, and his opinions continue to shape how future projects are conceptualized.
As fans and critics await further entries such as Alien: Romulus and the untitled prequel, Ridley Scott reflects on leaving the Alien franchise, confident that he has contributed more than enough to its legacy. His enduring influence ensures the franchise will likely remain a vital force in science fiction for years to come.
