The development ofPrometheus 2has followed a very curious track. Before the first film even hit theaters, directorRidley Scottwas already busyrevealing what would happen in the subsequent sequel, speaking to the origin story of the Engineers. That initial idea, Scott said, would findNoomi Rapace’s Shaw and the disembodied head ofMichael Fassbender’s David embarking on a road trip of sorts to find out where the Engineers came from and discovering even more horrors once they arrived at their home planet. However, now that the film has become a reality and carries a new title—Alien: Covenant—it appears the story has evolved and shifted pretty significantly away from that initial idea.
While early reports noted that Rapace would have a “small role” inAlien: Covenant, Scott has now confirmed toBaz Bamigboye(viaThe Playlist) that the actress won’t be returning at all, adding that they’re still in the process of casting the main roles. Who are these new characters? WellAlien: Covenantpicks up 10 years after the events ofPrometheus, witha new crew stumbling upon the remains of the Prometheus shipand the planet’s sole inhabitant, Fassbender’s David.
Will this new group venture to the Engineers’ homeworld? Will the film simply play out as a horror sequel, with a new cast of characters bumbling around the same setting as the first movie? It’s unclear at the moment, but we do know thatKatherine Waterston(Inherent Vice) is in talks to star as one of the new crew members, so it’ll be curious to see the cast of characters that Scott assembles for the follow-up.
It is a bit of a shame that Rapace won’t be returning, though, as this likely meansAlien: Covenantis less of a direct sequel than we were expecting. It would’ve been great to see the story of Shaw and David continue in the follow-up, but it appears Scott is taking the franchise in a new direction—one he intends to circle back around to the firstAlienaftertwo morePrometheussequels.
Production is expected to begin later this year in Australia ahead ofAlien: Covenant’s June 04, 2025 release date.
