Ridley Scott Confirms 'Alien: Covenant' Sequel with Michael Fassbender, Reflects on 'Blade Runner' Rights
Ridley Scott has stated that the long-awaited sequel to 'Alien: Covenant' is still in development, with Michael Fassbender's android David at the center of the story. Scott also praised the first season of 'Alien: Earth' and expressed regret over losing the rights to 'Blade Runner,' noting he is not creatively involved in the upcoming 'Blade Runner 2099' series. He also commented on AI, saying he can compete with it in filmmaking.
Scott's comments suggest the long-gestating Covenant sequel remains a priority for him personally, though its path to production is complicated by the competing Alien: Romulus follow-up at the studio. The director's fascination with David's homicidal nature ties directly into his broader concerns about artificial intelligence, which he views as an unpredictable force. His praise for Alien: Earth indicates he is following the franchise's expansion across other creative hands, even as he maintains his own vision for its future. Meanwhile, his remarks on Blade Runner reveal lingering frustration over losing control of a property he helped define, though he retains an executive producer credit on the upcoming 2099 series.
This story could reassure Alien fans who have waited years for narrative closure, while also signaling that the franchise may branch into multiple simultaneous timelines. Scott's candid remarks about AI and creative control may resonate with industry professionals navigating similar rights disputes and technological shifts. The confirmation of Fassbender's involvement could generate renewed interest in the property, potentially influencing studio decisions on which sequel moves forward first.