Alien fans have been feasting on a resurgence of the iconic sci-fi franchise, with recent hits like Alien: Romulus and the prequel series Alien: Earth reigniting excitement. But one rumored project has just been debunked: a potential Alien prequel film that was said to be in development with director Brian Duffield at the helm.
Duffield, known for his work on the sci-fi thriller No One Will Save You, addressed the speculation while promoting his upcoming film Whalefall at New York Comic Con. In an exclusive chat with Collider's Maggie Lovitt, he set the record straight. "I know how the rumor started, but it's not something I'm currently working on," Duffield said. "It's funny, I was just talking to the head of 20th about it. I'm not involved, so I'm always trying to get information as a fan, but I'm not directing Alien."
The rumor had been circulating for some time, suggesting a new prequel separate from both the Alien: Romulus sequel and Ridley Scott's long-gestating third Prometheus film. While Duffield's denial may disappoint some, it's clear the franchise is still expanding in multiple directions. Disney and 20th Century Studios are going all-in on Alien, with a sequel to Romulus in the works (though Fede Álvarez won't return to direct), a second season of Alien: Earth currently filming with new cast members like Peter Dinklage and Jerome Flynn, and even a long-awaited sequel to the video game Alien: Isolation.
For now, Duffield is focused on Whalefall, which he describes as one of the hardest projects he's ever tackled. The film stars Austin Abrams as a young diver who is swallowed by a giant whale off the California coast. With limited oxygen, he has only hours to escape before meeting a gruesome end. The movie also reunites Abrams with his Weapons co-star Josh Brolin. Whalefall hits theaters on October 16.
While Duffield won't be directing an Alien film, his plate is certainly full. Fans of his work can look forward to Whalefall, and perhaps he'll remain a fan of the Alien franchise from the sidelines—just like the rest of us.
What's Next for the Alien Franchise?
Even without Duffield, the Alien universe is thriving. The success of Alien: Romulus proved that audiences still crave facehuggers and Xenomorphs, and the upcoming sequel is highly anticipated. Meanwhile, Alien: Earth has brought the horror to our home planet, and its second season promises even more chills. With new games and films on the horizon, it's a great time to be a fan.
As for Duffield, he's keeping busy with original projects like Whalefall. While he may not be directing an Alien movie, his unique voice in sci-fi is one to watch. Stay tuned for more updates on all things Alien and beyond.
