The Alien franchise has long been one of the most celebrated sci-fi horror sagas in cinema history. When Ridley Scott returned to the universe with Prometheus (2012), he sought to explore the origins of the Xenomorphs and the mysterious Engineers. The film was followed by Alien: Covenant (2017), which further expanded the mythology. However, plans for a third installment—often referred to as Prometheus 3 or Alien: Awakening—have remained in limbo.
So, will we ever see Prometheus 3? Let’s explore the possibilities.
The Journey So Far: From Prometheus to Alien: Covenant
Prometheus was an ambitious departure from the traditional Alien formula, focusing on themes of creation, existentialism, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. While it divided fans with its philosophical approach and lack of traditional Xenomorph horror, it was a box office success.
To address fan concerns, Alien: Covenant attempted to bring back the horror elements while continuing David’s (Michael Fassbender) arc—revealing that he was responsible for engineering the deadly Xenomorphs. The film ended with David secretly taking control of a colony ship, setting up a terrifying future for its passengers.
Ridley Scott had originally planned a third film to bridge the gap between Covenant and Alien (1979), tentatively titled Alien: Awakening. However, after Covenant underperformed at the box office, 20th Century Fox (now owned by Disney) put the project on hold.
Is Prometheus 3 Still Happening?
As of now, Ridley Scott has not officially confirmed whether Prometheus 3 (or Alien: Awakening) will move forward. After Disney acquired Fox, the company has been focusing on a fresh approach to the Alien franchise rather than completing Scott’s prequel story.
Two major Alien projects are currently in development:
- Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus – A standalone film set between Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), slated for release in 2024.
- Noah Hawley’s Alien TV Series – A new take on the franchise set on Earth, scheduled for release on FX in 2025.
With these projects underway, Ridley Scott’s prequel trilogy remains uncertain. However, Scott has hinted in past interviews that he still wants to explore AI and the role of the Engineers, suggesting he hasn’t abandoned his vision entirely.
What Could Prometheus 3 Be About?
If Prometheus 3 were to happen, it would likely explore:
- David’s Next Move – Covenant ended with David heading toward a new world with thousands of human colonists in cryosleep. What terrifying experiments does he have planned?
- The Engineers’ Revenge – The Engineers were almost wiped out in Covenant, but those who remain could seek vengeance on David—and humanity.
- The Final Connection to Alien (1979) – How do David’s creations lead directly to the Xenomorphs seen in Alien? This could provide the missing link between Covenant and the original film.
Will Ridley Scott Return?
Scott remains passionate about the Alien franchise, but with Disney steering the ship, his influence may be limited. If Prometheus 3 does happen, it might be in a reworked form—possibly under a different director or with a different focus.
Fans remain divided: Some want Scott to finish what he started, while others believe the franchise should move in a new direction.
What do you think? Should Ridley Scott complete his Prometheus trilogy, or should the Alien series take a new path? Let us know in the comments! 👽🔥
